Mixed-methods research studies combine both quantitative and qualitative data.
Mixed-methods studies include at least one quantitative strand and one qualitative strand.
Six core characteristics help define mixed-methods research:
Persuasively and rigorously collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data
Mixing the two forms of data either simultaneously by combining or merging them, sequentially by having one build on the other, or by embedding one within the other
Giving priority to one or both forms of data
Using these procedures in a single research study or in multiple phases of a program of research
Framing the procedures within philosophical worldviews and theoretical lenses
Combining the procedures into specific research designs that direct the plan for conducting the study
When using a mixed-methods approach to conducting a research study, a researcher must provide justification for this choice. Six examples of research problems that are suited for mixed-methods techniques are as follows:
A need exists because one data source may be insufficient.
A need exists to explain the initial results.
A need exists to generalize exploratory findings.
A need exists to enhance a study with a second method.
A need exists to best employ a theoretical stance.
A need exists to understand a research objective through multiple research phases.
The mixed-methods research process closely parallels the generic research process; however, there are some additional, unique steps:
Determining if a mixed-methods study is feasible
Developing a clear rationale for doing a mixed-methods study
Identifying the appropriate mixed-methods design
There are numerous typological schemes for classifying mixed-methods research designs.
Mixed-methods designs are differentiated by
the priorities assigned to the two types of data,
the sequence in which the two types of data are collected, and
the nature of the analytical procedures.
The four most common and basic mixed-methods research designs are
the convergent parallel design, or simply the convergent design;
the explanatory sequential design, or simply the explanatory design;
the exploratory sequential design, or simply the exploratory design; and
the embedded design.
The researcher must make four key decisions when deciding on an appropriate mixed-methods research design:
The level of interaction between the research strands—independent or interactive
The relative priority of the quantitative and qualitative research strands—equal prioritization, quantitative prioritization, or qualitative prioritization
The timing of the research strands— concurrent, sequential, or multiphase combination timing
The procedures for mixing the two strands— defining the point of interface (during interpretation, during data analysis, during data collection, or at the level of research design)
Mixed-model studies involve the mixing of quantitative and qualitative approaches in all phases of the research process.
Determining the validity of mixed-methods research parallels the process of determining the validity of both quantitative and qualitative research; however, several additional considerations must be met.
The strengths of mixed-methods research include that it can help explain, clarify, and extend results of research; it can answer research questions that may require both types of data; one type of data and analysis may be used to offset the weaknesses of the other; and it is seen as more practical.
Limitations of these approaches include that it is more time-consuming, researchers may be limited by their own comfort and expertise, and mixed-methods research may still need to be justified to some audiences.
