MIXED METHODS RESEARCH

 Mixed Methods Research

According to the National Institutes of Health, mixed methods strategically integrate or combine rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods to draw on the strengths of each. Mixed method approaches allow researchers to use diverse methods, combining inductive and deductive thinking, and offsetting limitations of exclusively quantitative and qualitative research through a complementary approach that maximizes the strengths of each data type and facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of health issues and potential resolutions. Mixed methods may be employed to produce a robust description and interpretation of the data, make quantitative results more understandable, or understand the broader applicability of small-sample qualitative findings.

Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, and Turner define mixed methods research as “the type of research in which a researcher or a team of researchers combines elements of quantitative and qualitative approaches (e.g. use of qualitative and quantitative viewpoints, data collection, analysis, and inference techniques) for the purpose of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration”. Also, the Journal of Mixed Methods, in its call for paper mixed methods defined mixed methods research as “research in which investigator collects, analyses, mixes and draws inferences from both qualitative and quantitative data in a single study or a program of inquiry”

Characteristics Of Mixed Methods Research

The following are some basic features of the mixed methods research:

1.    The analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.

2.  The collection of both open and closed-ended data (qualitative and quantitative data) in response to the research question.

3.   Persuasive and rigorous procedures for the qualitative and quantitative methods.

4.  The integration of these two data sources (by merging, connecting, embedding).

5.    The use of specific mixed methods design that involves a concurrent or sequential integration.

6.    An approach to research that has a philosophical foundation.

 

Strengths of the Mixed Methods Research

1. Mixed methods research can be used to increase the generalization of the results.

2. Researchers can provide more vital evidence for a conclusion through convergence and corroboration of findings.

3. Researcher can add insights and understanding that might be missed only a single method is used.

4. Researcher can answer a broader and more complete range of research questions because he is not confined to a single method or approach.

5.   Words, pictures, and narrative can be used to add meaning to numbers and numbers can be used to add precision to words and narrative.

6.  Provides the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research.

7. Lastly, qualitative and quantitative research used together produce more complete knowledge necessary to inform theory and practice.

 

Weaknesses Of Mixed Method Research

1.  Researcher has to learn about multiple methods and approaches and understand how to mix them appropriately.

2.  It can be difficult for a single researcher to carry out both qualitative and quantitative research, especially if two or more approaches are expected to be used concurrently, it may require a research team.

3.    It is more time-consuming.

4.  Methodological purists contend that one should always work within either a qualitative or a quantitative paradigm.