Answer:
a. The authors used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the experiences of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the workplace. They conducted a survey to gather quantitative data on the employment status and workplace experiences of individuals with ASD. They also conducted interviews with individuals with ASD and their supervisors to gather qualitative data on their experiences. The authors used thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data and descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data.
b. The authors suggest that their sample may not be representative of the broader population of individuals with ASD, as their sample was recruited through autism advocacy organizations and social media. Additionally, the survey was self-reported, which may introduce bias. One limitation of the methodology is that the authors did not control for other factors that may influence workplace experiences, such as the type of job or workplace environment.
c. The authors analyzed their data using descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, to summarize the quantitative data. They also used thematic analysis to identify common themes in the qualitative data. The authors used a mixed-methods approach to triangulate the results, comparing the qualitative and quantitative data to identify patterns and discrepancies.