Target Population- Serving and retired soldiers of different ranks, MOSs, and duty stations.

Sample Size- At least 200 participants will be targeted to ensure statistical reliability and
generalizability.

Sampling Methods

Stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation of key subgroups for

instance; rank, MOS, deployment history.

Convenience sampling for initial recruitment, followed by snowball sampling to expand the
pool.

Response Collection-

Online responses will be recorded and stored on a secure, encrypted platform

automatically.

Paper surveys will be collected in sealed envelopes and manually entered into the database
by the research team.

Data Analysis

Software-The actual statistical analysis is to be executed using SPSS, R, or Python.

Data Analysis Techniques- Descriptive Statistics- Describe demographic data and survey
responses, including means, medians, and standard deviations.

Correlation Analysis- Identify the relationships between leadership styles and retention-
related variables. Regression Analysis- Predict retention outcomes based on leadership
behaviors while controlling for demographic and contextual factors.

Comparative Analysis- Test differences between subgroups, such as rank, MOS, or

deployment history.

Data Integration-

Quantitative findings will be integrated with qualitative themes in order to give a

comprehensive overview of the research question.

Ethical Considerations

Anonymity-The subject will not be asked to disclose identification information for

anonymity of survey responses.

Voluntary Participation- Instructions will clearly state that it is strictly a voluntary survey,
and there is no obligation to complete the form.
Security- All the information given will be filed in encoded form and reserved only for the
research team.

Expected Outputs-Quantitative data will provide statistical proof of the relationship

between NCO leadership behaviors and soldier retention. Such a result would give
actionable insight into crafting specific interventions to improve their leadership practices
in order to reduce attrition rates.

3.2.3 Mixed-Methods Integration-This research will, therefore, follow the mixed-method

approach to assess the impact of NCO leadership behaviours on soldiers' intent to re-enlist.
The approach includes a combination of qualitative and quantitative data to capture
information. This section provides the rationale, design, and procedure for mixing the two
data types in comprehensively answering the research objectives.

Purpose of Mixed-Methods Integration

The mixed-method will achieve the following-

Strengths to Insights- Leverage strengths identified through both qualitative and

quantitative data in a way that enhances the weightiness of findings regarding leadership
impacts on retention.

Triangulation- Check results against the comparison of emerging themes from interviews
and focus groups against statistical trends emanating from the surveys.

Enhance Applicability- Draw conclusions in forms that are contextual and generalizable.

Integration Framework

The study will adopt a convergent design in which both qualitative and quantitative data
are collected and analyzed separately but integrated at the point of interpretation. This
allows for a parallel exploration of the research problem from different perspectives.

Qualitative Data-

In-depth look into soldiers' experiences with NCO leadership.

Nuanced details on how leadership behaviors influence morale, satisfaction, and retention
decisions.

Quantitative Data-

Measurable trends and statistical evidence to support or refute qualitative themes.

Establishes the overall trends and relationships in a larger sample size.

Integration Point
Findings from both will be compared, contrasted, and synthesized after separate analysis in
order to develop a comprehensive narrative about the impact of leadership on retention.

Data Integration Process

Data Collection-

Both qualitative and quantitative data are to be collected concurrently so that findings are
contemporaneous and reflective of the same population.

There will be alignment between qualitative interview/ focus group questions and
quantitative survey items in order to facilitate comparison, such as explorations of
leadership style, unit culture, and career satisfaction from both methods.

Analysis and Comparison-

Qualitative themes are then contrasted with quantitative trends to identify points of
convergence-for instance, leadership behaviors common in influencing retention-and
divergence-for example, discrepancies between perceptions and measured outcomes.

The qualitative insights will be checked against the results from statistical analysis.
Qualitative data will also be used to contextualize and add depth to patterns arising from
statistics.

Integration Techniques-

Joint Displays- Matrices or graphs will display side-by-side qualitative and quantitative
findings visually.

Thematic Mapping- Mapping qualitative themes onto quantitative variables to bring out
how leadership behaviors are manifested in measurable outcomes.

Narrative Synthesis- Joint interpretation of qualitative and quantitative findings into a

combined narrative.

Strengths of Mixed-Methods Integration

Wide-angled Approach- It captures the subjective experience of soldiers and objective

measures of leadership effect.

Validation of Findings- It allows cross-validation of qualitative and quantitative data to

increase credibility and reliability.

Recommendation Practicality- Insights drawn from both methods are likely to find easy
resonance among diversified stakeholders ranging from policymakers to leaders and
soldiers.

Ethical Considerations
Consistency- Same information on the purpose of the study, procedures, and ethical
safeguards is provided to all qualitative and quantitative participants.

Equal Weighting-Both data types are valued as important; one method is not favored over
the other.

Transparency-How the qualitative and quantitative findings have been integrated is clearly
communicated to the stakeholders and in reporting.

Expected Outputs

This will grant a more varied and deep-rooted insight into the U.S. Army retention crisis
when mixed-methods integration ensues. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative
inquiry, this study puts forward practical evidence-based recommendations regarding how
to adapt NCO leadership practices in efforts to bolster retention.

3.3 Sampling Strategy

This section highlights the plan for participant selection of research that will draw on a
representative sample with diversity to aptly respond to the objectives of the study.

Objective of Sampling

The plan of sampling would strive to-

Ensure variance representation of soldiers serving in different kinds of leadership and

various leadership styles from NCO ranks.

Keep respondents across the ranks, MOS, and years of service to allow for maximum
variations in perceptions and experiences.

Enable more valid comparisons between soldiers staying in service and those leaving.

Sampling Design

The sampling strategy will be a purposive sampling method complemented by stratified

random sampling for quantitative surveys. This hybrid approach will ensure that key
subgroups are included, with diversity within the sample.

Purposive Sampling (Qualitative Data)

Selection Criteria

Soldiers from a variety of Military Occupational Specialties to include combat arms,

technical fields, and support roles

Soldiers who have directly experienced both positive and negative NCO leadership.

Soldiers who have re-enlisted or are close to the end of their contracts and plan to separate.
Target Population-

Active duty soldiers and recently separated veterans serving/veterans of the U.S. Army.

Sample Size: about 30-40 participants for interviews and focus groups to reach saturation.

Stratified Random Sampling (Quantitative Data)

Stratification Variables

Rank, e.g., junior enlisted, senior enlisted and junior NCOs

MOS categories; combat, technical and support

Length of service; 1–4 years, 5–10 years, 10+ years

Sample size

300–500 participants targeted, ensuring statistical power and generalizability for the
survey findings. Distribution of Surveys:

Surveys will be conducted electronically with the soldiers using existing Army
communication facilities, such as Army Knowledge Online (AKO) and distribution lists
through the unit email facility.

Recruitment Strategy