Abstract
<p>This paper is concerned with investigating the integration of quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods research and whether, in spite of its challenges, it can be of positive benefit to many investigative studies. The paper introduces the topic, defines the terms with which this subject deals and undertakes a literature review to outline the challenges and benefits of employing this approach to research. The specific terms research, educational research, research methodologies and methods, research design, quantitative approaches, qualitative approaches and mixed methods approaches are all defined. Mixed methods approaches are outlined in terms of their challenges and benefits, with the researcher offering a personal opinion in conclusion to the paper. The conclusion that was drawn was that provided that mixed methods research was a suitable approach to any given project, its use would yield positive benefits, in that the use of differing approaches has the potential to provide a greater depth and breadth of information which is not possible utilising singular approaches in isolation. In spite of its time-consuming nature, and the suspicion with which some quarters of academia still regard mixed methods research, it does afford opportunities for researchers to have an informed conversation or debate involving information that is generated by both quantitative and qualitative collection methods. Furthermore, evidence would suggest that, rather than restricting the opportunities for research by only utilising either qualitative or quantitative methods, a mixed methods approach provides researchers with a greater scope to investigate educational issues using both words and numbers, to the benefit of educational establishments and society as a whole.</p>
Highlights
We are considering research and how to go about it to its best effect
It is prudent to engage with four basic questions at the outset: why are we engaged in research? How do we remain interested in it? What inherent personal characteristics might help me in the completion of the research? What skills do I have that might help in the process (Dawson, 2002; Miller-Cochran & Rodrigo, 2011; Beardsmore, 2013)? The answer to the first question is likely to be that it is part of your course; with any luck, or careful planning on your part, your inquiry will be of your own choosing and be something in which you have an interest, which in turn should provide you with intrinsic motivation
It is important to consider your skills set when deciding on how to organise your research: do you have research skills? Organisational skills? Good time management (Dawson, 2002; Miller-Cochran & Rodrigo, 2011; Beardsmore, 2013)? Do we really think all of this through? Dawson (2002) attests that there are five essential questions must be answered at the beginning of any piece of research—what, why, who, where, when? The what, in many ways, can be the hardest part in the sense that it is often difficult to the specific about the research you wish to undertake in the initial stages
Summary
We are considering research and how to go about it to its best effect. It is prudent to engage with four basic questions at the outset: why are we engaged in research? How do we remain interested in it? What inherent personal characteristics might help me in the completion of the research? What skills do I have that might help in the process (Dawson, 2002; Miller-Cochran & Rodrigo, 2011; Beardsmore, 2013)? The answer to the first question is likely to be that it is part of your course; with any luck, or careful planning on your part, your inquiry will be of your own choosing and be something in which you have an interest, which in turn should provide you with intrinsic motivation. Vol 5, No 3; 2016 your course, it is something that your employers wishing to do, it might be something of interest to you (Dawson, 2002) or a combination of all three It is critical for the success of any research that you are aware of why you are conducting an inquiry, as it will have an effect on the way in which you administer your research and report your findings (Dawson, 2002). It is important that you have a grasp on the type of people who will need to be targeted, in order to generate the information required to answer the central question of your study. There will be a discussion of the reasons behind conducting a Mixed Methods approach to research, covering both its challenges and its benefits, concluding with an assessment of whether my hypothesis has been proven
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
