Adoption of Open Education Resources at a Higher Education Institution Using Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Research Design

Abstract

The chapter is a walkthrough of a practical application of the explanatory sequential mixed method research design to investigate the adoption of open educational resources at a higher education institution in Zimbabwe. This is a complex phenomenon that required both quantitative measures to establish the nature and extent and precise qualitative explanations and justifications, an inherent precondition of mixed methods research. Justifiably explanatory sequential mixed method research was the appropriate research design to unpack the complex research problem due to its unique nature that permits flexible ontological, epistemological, philosophies, and analytical perspectives. The chapter illustrates how the quantitative component is complemented by the qualitative component to explain the complex phenomenon through integrated analysis and interpretation of research findings leading to valid conclusions and recommendations. In contribution to the development and use of explanatory sequential mixed methods research design, a new framework is proposed based on the lessons learned.