MIX METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

This publication highlights the mix methods in political sciences methodology. Mix methods are defined as `mixing` both qualitative and qualitative methods, or their elements or integration of some elements. Qualitative methods are interpretive and refers to interviews, focus groups, qualitative date analysis and other methods in order to determine the categories, patterns and, mostly important, the participant`s meanings. Quantitative methods are survey and experiment. Survey is used to describe numerically a trend or certain opinion, while in experiment the goal is to identify the outcome, in comparing two groups, one control and other with experimental factor. There are diverse classification of mixed methods designs. During these twenty years, many methodologists have developed more than forty types, so Creswell and Plano Clark have made more concise several classifications of mixed methods designs which can be applied in social sciences. The object of this article is to point out four mix methods designs which can be applied in political sciences, such as Explanatory design, Exploratory design, Convergent and Embedded design. The author`s objective is to explain each of these designs, the procedures, challenges and their application. Mixed methods are used in political sciences when only qualitative or quantitative method cannot answer to a research question. The intention of `mixing` or integration of elements or procedures, collecting and analyzing data of both qualitative and qualitative methods, is to achieve more significant conclusions.