Mixed methods research makes use of both qualitative and quantitative methods and its use is driven by pragmatism due to the perceived deficit of quantitative methods alone as well as to address the complexity of research.
Both quantitative and qualitative research have weaknesses. Quantitative research is weak in understanding the context or setting in which data is collected. Qualitative research may include biases and does not lend itself to statistical analysis and generalization.
Mixed method strategies can offset these weaknesses by allowing for both exploration and analysis in the same study. Using both approaches in one study provides additional evidence and support for the findings.
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Researchers can use all the tools available to them and collect more comprehensive data.
For example, you may conduct surveys to gather quantitative data and then conduct interviews or focus groups to gather qualitative data. The two types of data are then analyzed separately and sometimes combined to draw conclusions.
This approach provides results that have a broader perspective of the overall issue or research problem. The final results may include both observations and statistical analyses. As a result, the results are validated within the study.
Mixed methods research combines the use of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and analytical procedures in the same study.
- Mono-method research is when either quantitative or qualitative data is collected due to the demands of the philosophy, philosophical choices and strategies employed.
- Mixed-methods research is when the researcher uses quantitative and qualitative research methods in the process of their study, data collection and analysis. It is argued that by combining both types of research, the limitations of each individual method can be offset and gaps of data can be filled or predicted.
- Multi Method: In this variation of Multi Method research, both quantitative and qualitative data are used but the researcher’s philosophy/approach is focused only in one of them. So both types of data are analysed from only one point-of-view
Related: More research approaches
Related: Complete Research process explained
Mixed methods combines inductive and deductive thinking and reasoning. The researcher can use both words and numbers to communicate the results and findings and thus, appeal to a wider audience. Combining methodologies helps to reduce the personal biases of the researcher.
However, there are some challenges as well of the Mixed Methods approach.
It is more time-consuming to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The study may require more resources to collect both types of data.
The research procedures are more complicated and may be out of the comfort zone of the researcher. Most researchers are often trained in quantitative or qualitative methods and may need assistance crossing over.
Methodology requires clear presentation when published or presented so that the audience can accurately understand the procedures and the findings.
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