MIXED METHODS

RESEARCH: AN OVERVIEW

By: Parfej Ali

Contents
➢ What is Mixed Method Research ?
➢ The End of the “Paradigm Wars” and the Emergence of Mixed Methods
➢ Why Mixed Methods Research ?
➢ Multimethod vs. Mixed Methods: Breaking Down the Basics
➢ Types of Mixed Method Research
➢ MMR in Social Science
➢ Strengths and Weaknesses
➢ Challenges
➢ Conclusion
➢ References
What is Mixed Method Research ?

❖ A combination of quantitative and qualitative method

❖ It’s a holistic approach and comprehensive approach
❖ Help to understand complex dynamics of social phenomena
❖ Enhance validity and reliability
❖ Enable deeper insights in social sciences
➢ Johnson, et.al (2007) “mixed-methods research is a combination of "elements of qualitative and quantitative
research approaches (e.g., use of qualitative and quantitative viewpoints, data analysis, inference
techniques) for the purposes and depth of understanding and corroboration Mixed-methods research
legitimizes the use of multiple approaches in answering research questions. It is inclusive pluralistic,
complementary, and eclectic (Klingner and Alison,2011).

“Judge available data by its relevance rather than its form!”

The End of the “Paradigm Wars” and the Emergence
of Mixed Methods
Creswell and Clark (2011) has suggested five stages of mixed
methods research (Bryman,…)

1. Formative Period (1950s - Early 1980s)

✓ Writers laid the foundations for mixed methods approaches.

2. Paradigm Debate Period (1970s - 1980s)

✓ Qualitative and quantitative research seen as incompatible.

✓ Challengers argued for the feasibility of mixed

✓ Quantitative tells us “If”; qualitative tells us “How or why”.
 Contd.

3. Procedural Development Period (Late 1980s - 21st Century)

✓ Focus on designing mixed methods studies.

4. Advocacy and Expansion Period (2000s - Present)

✓ Recognition of mixed methods as a distinct approach.

✓ Key developments: Separate handbook and Journal of Mixed Methods Research.

5. Reflective Period (Post-2005)

✓ Assessment of mixed methods research state and future.

✓ Critiques launched regarding its direction.

Why Mixed Methods Research ?

❑ ❑ ❑
Complementarity: MMR helps by Completeness: By using both methods, Developmental: One method can be
combining qualitative and quantitative to we get a more complete picture of the used to create ideas or theories that are
get a fuller understanding of a topic. It’s phenomenon being studied. Each tested or explored further using the
like looking at the same thing from method fills in the gaps left by the other, other method.
different angles to understand it better. leading to a richer and more detailed
understanding.

❑ ❑ ❑
Expansion: Mixed methods allow us to Corroboration: Using both methods Diversity: Mixed methods allow
expand on findings. If one method gives together helps confirm results. When the researchers to look at an issue from
us interesting results, the other method findings from one method are supported different perspectives. This helps in
can help us explore them in more detail by the other, it strengthens the reliability exploring the complexity of the issue by
or from a different perspective. of the conclusions. considering various viewpoints, leading
to a more comprehensive understanding.
Multimethod vs. Mixed Methods:
Breaking Down the Basics

➢ Multimethod research used two or more research method.

➢ This multimethod research mainly used in qualitative research method, but not
strictly limited in qualitative research method.

➢ In the quantitative paradigm, Campbell and Fiske (1959) developed the concept
of the multitrait- multimethod matrix (mtmm)

➢ Which means multimethod research can use single or both paradigm either, but
on the other side mixed method research must be followed both paradigms.

Therefore, all mixed methods research studies are, by definition, multimethod

research, but all multimethod studies are not mixed methods research.
 8

Triangulation-

Types of Mixed Methods Research Design

1 Combine qualitative and quantitative data for a comprehensive understanding.

Explanatory Sequential-
2 Use qualitative data to elaborate on quantitative results.

Types Of Mixed
Method Research Exploratory Sequential-
‘ 3 Collect qualitative data to identify patterns, then use quantitative data to test these
findings.

Embedded-
4 Use one method as the main focus, with the other supporting specific questions.
1. Triangulation 2. Explanatory Sequential

Quantitative Data Qualitative Data Quantitative Data Qualitative Data

Collection Collection Collection Collection

Quantitative Data Qualitative Data Quantitative Data Qualitative Data

Analysis Analysis Analysis Analysis

Quantitative Qualitative Quantitative Qualitative

Results Findings Results Findings

Quantitative results are

further explained by
qualitative data and results Interpretation
Interpretation

Results are Compared

3. Exploratory Sequential 4. Embedded

Quantitative Data Qualitative Data Quantitative

Collection Collection Data Collection
Data Analysis
Results
Quantitative Data Qualitative Data
Qualitative
Analysis Analysis
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Results
Quantitative Qualitative
Results Findings

Mixing
Qualitative exploration leading
Interpretation to a quantitative test
Interpretation
MMR in Social Science

“Social Research Methods” was first published in 2001, owing to that, mixed methods
research has become an increasingly used and well accepted approach to conducting social
research.

❑ Holistic Approach to Research

❑ Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative Data
❑ Enhanced Validity through Triangulation
❑ In-Depth Exploration of Social Issues

❑ Practical Application in Political Science

Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses
Integration of Elements: Difficulties in Execution:
• Combine words, images, and stories with numbers for a • Hard for one person to manage both methods; may
richer understanding. need a research team.
• Use numbers to make descriptions and narratives more Learning Curve:
precise. • Requires learning and understanding how to use and
Broader Range of Questions: combine different methods.
• Address more types of research questions using Higher Costs:
different methods. • More expensive due to increased resources needed for
Elimination of Weaknesses: data collection and analysis.
• Balance out weaknesses of one method with strengths Time-Consuming:
of another. • Takes more time to collect and analyze both qualitative
Added Insights: and quantitative data.
• Gain deeper understanding by combining different Opposition from Methodological Purists:
methods. • Some researchers argue that mixing qualitative and
Generalizability: quantitative methods weakens the quality of research.
• Improve ability to apply findings to a wider population. Unresolved Methodological Issues:
Complete Knowledge: • There are still challenges in mixed-method research,
• Achieve more thorough insights by integrating both including combining data, analyzing it, and handle
qualitative and quantitative research. conflicting results.
Challenges
➢ Conceptual Stances: Shifting from rigid paradigms to flexible approaches, can create difficulties in ensuring
consistency, managing diverse methodologies, and addressing research questions comprehensively.

➢ Methodological Interface: Difficulty in aligning philosophical foundations with methods and design.

➢ The Research Question: Challenge in crafting questions that integrate qualitative and quantitative components.

➢ Challenge of Language: Ambiguities in terminology hinder collaboration and clarity.

➢ Design Issues: Complexity in determining timing, priority, and integration of methods.

➢ Analysis Issues: Struggles in merging qualitative and quantitative data for cohesive analysis.

➢ Issues in Drawing Inferences: Difficulty in synthesizing findings to ensure coherence and address research questions
effectively.

➢ Practical Issues in Mixed Methods Research

• Training Challenges: Difficulty in obtaining formal training for both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Integration and Logistics: Challenges in combining methods and managing practical aspects.
Conclusion

❖ Holistic Approach: Combines quantitative and qualitative methods for a complete

view.

❖ Improved Validity and Reliability: Uses triangulation to enhance research accuracy.

❖ Versatile Application: Effective across various fields, including social sciences and
political science.

❖ Flexible and Pragmatic: Adapts to complex and varied research problems.

❖ Growing Interest: Increasing adoption due to its comprehensive and insightful nature.
References
Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4 ed.). Oxford University Press.

Johnson, B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed Methods Research: A Research Paradigm Whose Time Has
Come. American Educational Research Association, 14-26.

Klingner and Alison G. Boardman, J. k., & Boardman, A. G. (2011). Addressing the "Research Gap" in Special
Education Through Mixed Methods. Sage Publications, 208-218.

Small, M. L. (2011). How to Conduct a Mixed Methods Study: Recent Trends in a Rapidly Growing literature.
Annual Reviews.

Venkatesh, V., Brown, S. A., & Bala, H. (2013). Bridging the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide: Guidelines for
Conducting Mixed Methods Research in Information Systems. Management Information Systems Research
Center, University of Minnesota.

Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). Overview of contemporary issues in mixed methods
research. Handbook of mixed methods research for the social & behavioral sciences, 1-44.
THANK YOU