Question

The purpose of Isabel’s study is to compare differences in critical thinking skills between graduating seniors from a high school at which the curriculum was problem-based and a high school with a lecture-based curriculum, and afterward to observe classroom experiences at both high schools to explain any differences in critical thinking skills. Which of the following best represents the type of study design?

a. Phenomenology

b. An explanatory quantitative-qualitative sequential mixed methods

c. An exploratory qualitative-quantitative sequential mixed methods

d. A convergent mixed methods

Answer 1

Isabel's study employs an explanatory quantitative-qualitative sequential mixed methods design, first using quantitative data to identify differences in critical thinking skills between students, then following up with qualitative research for in-depth exploration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of Isabel’s study is to compare differences in critical thinking skills between graduating seniors from a high school with a problem-based curriculum and another with a lecture-based curriculum, followed by observation of classroom experiences to explain any identified differences. The study design that best represents this approach is b. An explanatory quantitative-qualitative sequential mixed methods. This type of design involves first collecting quantitative data to establish differences based on measurable outcomes (in this case, critical thinking skills) and then follows up with qualitative research to explore those outcomes in depth (classroom observations).

Sequential mixed methods involve a two-phase approach where one form of data collection follows the other, providing a comprehensive understanding. The initial quantitative phase identifies potential differences in outcome measures, while the subsequent qualitative phase seeks to contextualize and explain these differences based on observations and interactions.