Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of research problems. It involves collecting and analyzing various data types and methods within a single study, allowing for richer insights and corroborative results. This approach enhances reliability and validity but requires expertise in both methodologies and may be resource-intensive.

1. Part 12
Mixed Methods Research

2. Quantitative Qualitative
Deductive (top-down) Inductive (bottom-up)
Behavior regular, predictable Behavior dynamic, fluid
Objectives: describe, explain,
predict
Objectives: describe, explore,
discover
Reality: objective Reality: subjective, personal
Data: variables Data: words, images, categories
Data collection: measurement,
structured instruments
Data collection: qualitative, in-
depth interview
Analysis: statistical Analysis: search for patterns
Results: generalizable Results: particularistic
Pt 12 Mixed Research 2

3.  A mixed methods research design is a procedure for
collecting, analyzing, and “mixing” both quantitative
and qualitative research and methods in a single
study to understand a research problem.
 Requires understanding of both quantitative and
qualitative methods.
Pt 12 Mixed Research 3

4. Pt 12 Mixed Research 4
Quantitative
Research
Qualitative
Research
Mixed
Research
Mono-method
Research
Fully Mixed
Research
Partially Mixed
Research
The Fundamental Principle of Mixed Research

5. Quantitative Mixed Qualitative
Deductive (top-down) Deductive and inductive Inductive (bottom-up)
Behavior regular, predictable Behavior somewhat
predictable
Behavior dynamic, fluid
Objectives: describe, explain,
predict
Objectives: multiple Objectives: describe, explore,
discover
Reality: objective Reality: pragmatic (what
works is real)
Reality: subjective, personal
Data: variables Data: variables, words, images Data: words, images,
categories
Data collection: measurement,
structured instruments
Data collection: multiple
forms
Data collection: qualitative,
in-depth interview
Analysis: statistical Analysis: quantitative &
qualitative
Analysis: search for patterns
Results: generalizable Results: Corroborated Results: particularistic
Pt 12 Mixed Research 5

6.  Multi-method: different methods of data collection
and/or analysis within the same paradigm
 Mixed: different research paradigms in the same
study.
Pt 12 Mixed Research 6
Multi-method Design Mixed Method Design
Multi-method qualitative Mixed method
Multi-method quantitative Mixed model

7. Uses both methods in
research process
 Mixed method
research
 Mixed model
research
Pt 12 Mixed Research 7

8.  Step 3
 Step 4
 Step 5
 Step 6
Pt 12 Mixed Research 8

9.  Offers opportunity for skill enhancement…
 And for lifelong learning
 Deflects attention from theoretical work!
 Emphasizes ‘practical enquiry’
 Facilitates dissemination
Source: Brannen
Pt 12 Mixed Research 9

10.  When combining methods yield richer results
 When a single approach is inadequate
 When pragmatism is valued (over dogma)
 When phasing is necessary
Pt 12 Mixed Research 10

11.  Priority:
 Equal weight
 Quan. over Qual.
 Qual. Over Quan.
 Sequence:
 Data collected at same
time
 Quantitative data first
 Qualitative data first
 Convergent parallel design –
data collected and analyzed
simultaneously
 Explanatory sequential
design – quantitative data
collected and analyzed,
followed by qualitative
 Exploratory sequential
design – qualitative data
collected and analyzed,
followed by quantitative
Pt 12 Mixed Research 11

12. Quantitative data
 Merge the data
 Connect the data
 Embed the data
Pt 12 Mixed Research 12
Qualitative
data
Quantitative
data
Results
Qualitative
data
Quantitative
data
Results
Qualitative
data
Results

13.  Leverage strengths of both
approaches (Fundamental Principle
of mixed research)
 More information, greater insight
than single approach – words,
images add meaning
 Corroborative (convergent) results
strengthens validity (triangulation)
 Provides more complete knowledge
 Provides wider view of research
than can a single paradigm
 In aggregate, all research is mixed
Pt 12 Mixed Research 13

14.  Hard to know which approach is better and when
 Researcher needs expertise in both
 More resource intensive
 Some unresolved philosophical issues
 How real are the claimed benefits?
 http://www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/lectures/lec14.htm
 http://www.col.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/A5.pdf
 http://carbon.videolectures.net/v005/e1/4gi2nosqk7a4u3rhmb6f4yl2
huqff7a5.pdf
Pt 12 Mixed Research 14

15. Rationale Explanation
Triangulation Convergence, corroboration of results
using different methods
Complementarity Enhancing knowledge for results from
one method by results of another
Development Use results of one method to help
develop the other method
Initiation Seeks discovery of new frameworks,
including paradoxes and contradictions
to redefine, recast research framework
Expansion Extends range of enquiry
Pt 12 Mixed Research 15

16.  Use data to address research questions
 Try to minimize biases
 Each approach does what the other is not good at
 Pragmatism is vital
Pt 12 Mixed Research 16

17.  Quantitative data, validated using focus groups
 Quantitative survey instrument used, but followed up
using interviews of a few subjects
 Interviews of a few people used to design quantitative
survey instrument
 But what about the application of both qualitative
and quantitative analysis to qualitative data?
Pt 12 Mixed Research 17