Mixed Method Research: Theoretical Foundations, Designs and Its Use in Educational Research

Abstract

In educational sciences, 90s were the scene of the paradigmatic wars, as the researchers of quantitative or qualitative research only defended the ideas of the type of research they used and they constantly criticized the counter-paradigm. While this struggle is going on, mixed method research has emerged, a pragmatist approach that believes both methods of research are necessary and useful, and that these two methods can be used together when the research problem requires. In the 2000s, numerous studies on mixed method research have led this approach to be accepted as a third paradigm. From this history to the present, many studies have been carried out on this topic, from the philosophy of the mixed method to the genres, from the methodological substructure to the stages. Presenting a theoretical perspective, this study aims to scrutinize mixed method research with a special emphasis on its philosophical development and models. The weaknesses and strengths of mixed method as a research paradigm are also touched upon. Finally, its use in educational sciences and future directions regarding the development of this research method are discussed.