Mixed Methods Research
Overview
Mixed methods research is a methodology for conducting research that involves collecting, analyzing, and integrating quantitative (e.g., experiments, surveys) and qualitative (e.g., focus groups, interviews) research. This methodology allows researchers to capture the best of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. For example, a psychologist conducting mixed methods research might collect numerical data about how often people use a certain kind of therapy, but also collect stories about people's experiences with that therapy.
History
The history of mixed methods research can be traced back to the mid-20th century. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that social scientists began to formally articulate mixed methods as a distinct methodology. The rise of mixed methods research coincided with a period of intense debate about the relative merits of quantitative and qualitative research. Some researchers argued that quantitative research was too focused on dry statistics and missed the human element of research, while others argued that qualitative research was too subjective and lacked rigor. Mixed methods research emerged as a 'third way' that combined the strengths of both approaches.
Methodology
Mixed methods research involves several distinct steps. First, researchers must decide how they will combine quantitative and qualitative research. There are several ways to do this, including embedding one type of research within another, connecting two types of research, or integrating them. Second, researchers must decide on the sequence of research. Some researchers may choose to conduct quantitative research first and then qualitative research, while others may choose the reverse order. Finally, researchers must decide how to interpret their findings. This can involve comparing findings from the quantitative and qualitative research, or using the findings from one type of research to inform the other.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are several advantages to mixed methods research. First, it allows researchers to answer a broader range of research questions because they are not limited to a single method. Second, it provides a more complete understanding of research problems by allowing researchers to view them from multiple perspectives. Third, it can increase the validity of research findings by allowing researchers to cross-check findings from different methods.
However, mixed methods research also has several disadvantages. First, it can be time-consuming and expensive because it involves conducting two types of research. Second, it requires researchers to have a wide range of skills because they must be able to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research. Finally, it can be difficult to integrate findings from different methods.
Applications
Mixed methods research has been used in a wide range of fields, including psychology, sociology, education, health research, and business. For example, in psychology, mixed methods research might be used to understand the effectiveness of a therapy. Quantitative research could be used to measure how often the therapy leads to a reduction in symptoms, while qualitative research could be used to understand how patients experience the therapy.
