Abstract
Mixed methods research design implicates merging or incorporating qualitative and quantitative research and data in a single study. Though the advantages of employing mixed methods are convincing, the methodology has some shortcomings. Lack of time, energy and resources pose main obstacles behind not undertaking mixed methodology as research design. Other than the operational issues there are criticisms regarding the philosophical underpinning and research method typologies. However, as this methodology is the combination of two dominant research genres, it has the potential to offset the shortcomings of one single method and therefore, offers more validity and reliability to the findings of a research. The aim of this article is to acquaint the beginner researchers with the pros and cons of mixed methods research which has an immense potentiality to be employed in various fields of academia including social sciences, health science, and technology. Keywords: Mixed methods research, philosophical underpinning, rationale, controversy, potentiality. DOI : 10.7176/JLLL/58-05 Publication date :July 31 st 2019
Highlights
Mixed methods research design implicates merging or incorporating qualitative and quantitative research and data in a single study (Creswell, 2014)
Qualitative data is derived from open ended sources usually without predesigned replies whereas quantitative data comes from close ended data sources like tests, questionnaires or psychological instruments (Creswell, 2014).Various expressions are in use for this approach, such as “integrating, synthesis, quantitative and qualitative methods, multimethod, and mixed methodology” but in contemporary writings the commonly used term is – mixed methods (Bryman, 2006; Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010)
Good quality mixed methods research entails mixing at all stages of the study- from phrasing research questions, to sampling, to data collection, to analysis, and, to interpretation (Yin, 2006)
Summary
Mixed methods research design implicates merging or incorporating qualitative and quantitative research and data in a single study (Creswell, 2014). 224) provide a more rigid and operational definition of mixed method research as "the collection, analysis, and integration of quantitative and qualitative data in a single or multiphase study". Tashakkori and Creswell (2007a, p.2) defined mixed method research project in more elaborated terms focusing on the necessity of manifestation of merging in every step:. "Research in which the investigator collects and analyzes data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study or program of inquiry". Good quality mixed methods research entails mixing at all stages of the study- from phrasing research questions, to sampling, to data collection, to analysis, and, to interpretation (Yin, 2006). As mixed method researchers adopt a "non-purist or compatibilist or mixed position" (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004, pp.15) it offers the scope of blending various research design constituents to seek the best solution to their precise research problem
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