Mixed-Method Research

 Definition

Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative research and qualitative research in order to answer your research question. Mixed methods can help you gain a more complete picture than a standalone quantitative or qualitative study, as it integrates the benefits of both methods.

Characteristics of the Mixed Method Research

The primary feature/characteristic of mixed methods research is that there is both a qualitative and quantitative component, e.g., at least one research question of each type that requires both a qualitative and quantitative design for data collection and analysis. A further distinction of mixed methods that is often overlooked with that the qualitative and quantitative portions of the study must be linked together, such that one could not be conducted without the other; otherwise, it is simply two studies - one qualitative and the other quantitative.

For instance, quantitative research might be conducted to examine possible correlations between predictor/independent variable(s) and outcome/dependent variable(s). Based on the correlational analysis completed, the researcher may want to follow up to qualitatively explore why the correlation(s) exist, as perceived or experienced by the participants. Or conversely, qualitatively identify possible causal factors for a phenomenon, then quantitatively test those to assess possible correlations.

As a caution, students are often asked to use qualitative or quantitative only, which are sufficient to demonstrate the ability to conduct doctoral research and to avoid mixed-methods due to the complexity and effort involved, which most beginning researchers are not prepared for. Regardless, where needed, mixed methods research is a viable and accepted research method.

Main uses of the method

• Mixed methods research is often used in the behavioral, health, and social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research.

• Mixed methods research may be the right choice if your research process suggests that quantitative or qualitative data alone will not sufficiently answer your research question. There are several common reasons for using mixed methods research.

• Generalizability: Qualitative research usually has a smaller sample size, and thus is not generalizable. In mixed methods research, this comparative weakness is mitigated by the comparative strength of “large N,” externally valid quantitative research.

• Contextualization: Mixing methods allows you to put findings in context and add richer detail to your conclusions. Using qualitative data to illustrate quantitative findings can help “put meat on the bones” of your analysis.

• Credibility: Using different methods to collect data on the same subject can make your results more credible. If the qualitative and quantitative data converge, this strengthens the validity of your conclusions. This process is called triangulation.

Advantages of the Mixed Method Research

These are some of the benefits of having mixed research as an option for your next project:

• -It provides a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the research problem than doing it separately.
• -It provides a better focus by developing better and more specific instruments according to the research context.
• -Helps explain findings or how causal processes work.
• -The more precise perspective of the phenomenon (comprehensive, complete, and holistic).
• -Helps to clarify and formulate the problem statement, as well as the most appropriate ways to study and theorize research problems.
• -The multiplicity of observations produces more varied data; diverse sources and types of data, contexts or environments, and analyzes are considered.
• -Theoretical creativity is enhanced. Advantages of mixed methods research
• -They support scientific inferences more robustly than if they are used in isolation.

 Disadvantages of the Mixed Method Research

• Research methods can be very complex.
• Much more time and resources are required to plan and implement this type of research.
• It can be difficult to plan and apply one method using the results of another.
• How to resolve discrepancies that arise in the interpretation of the results may be unclear.