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Mixed Method Research Defined

By Cynthia Joffrion

Dated: Jul 23, 2010

The mixed methods research approach has gained increased attention because it is a method of research

that contains elements of both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Mixed Methods

The mixed methods research approach has gained increased attention because it is a method of research

that contains elements of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Creswell (2009) describes the

research approach as involving philosophical assumptions, the use of qualitative and quantitative

approaches, and the mixing of both approaches in a study (p. 4). The mixed methods approach permits the

collection of both qualitative and quantitative data in the same study. It is up to the researcher to determine

the extent one approach is used over the other, which is highly dependent on the purpose of the study.

Mixed methods research can serve a variety of purposes. Greene, Caracelli, and Graham (1989) point outthat researchers typically will use mixed design strategies which include triangulation, development,

initiation, and expansion. The researcher selects and matches the design strategies related to their goal in

attempting to understand a specific phenomenon. Overall, the method includes providing an understanding

of social phenomenon or behavior as well as the reasons that influence the behavior. This provides

information which can be used to measure social phenomenon numerically.

Mixed methods research design varies depending on the purpose of the study and philosophical

background of the researcher. It is up to the researcher to determine how to use mixed methods designs.

There are many levels of mixing both qualitative and quantitative elements in research projects (Rocco,

Bliss, Gallagher, & Perez-Prado, 2003). Additionally, mixing means either that the qualitative and

quantitative data actually are merged on one end of the continuum, kept separate on the other end of the

continuum, or combined in some way between these two extremes (Creswell, 2009, p. 208). It is up to the

researcher to determine how the type of project, the data collection strategy, and the data analysis will be

applied to the phenomena being studied. This is determined and outlined in the research design model.

The mixed methods design model most commonly used is the concurrent triangulation model (Creswell,

2009). In this approach, the researcher collects both qualitative and quantitative data concurrently. This

approach is important because it allows the researcher to determine if there is a pattern evident in the data.

Most researchers employ this model of gathering both quantitative and qualitative data and compare the

two data sources (Creswell, 2009). Comparison information can provide the researcher with valuable

information that can enrich the descriptive reporting of data. For example, a closed-end survey can be

administered, and at the same time, the researcher could conduct an interview to gather additional details.

This approach permits the researcher to collect two types of data at once. The provided data is well roundedand detailed.

The role of the researcher in a mixed methods study varies depending on the design of the study. Creswell

and Plano Clark (2007) explain the mixed methods design encourages researchers to collaborate between

quantitative and qualitative methods. In particular, a researcher can collect data on a quantitative survey in a

qualitative focus group. The research would not be involved in the quantitative survey other than to provide

the survey; however, in the qualitative portion of the study, the researcher would be involved in data

collection and would interact within the situation. This varies depending on the research design.

Both deductive and inductive strategies are present in the mixed methods approach. Data analysis within

mixed methods research occurs both with the quantitative (descriptive and inferential numeric analysis) and

qualitative (description and thematic text or image analysis) approach and often between the two

approaches (Creswell, 2009, p. 218). The researcher can use multiple methods to analyze data depending on

the design of the research. For instance, a researcher may identify statistical relationships when analyzing

data collected quantitatively. In contract, a researcher will search for patterns, themes, and holistic features

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when analyzing qualitative data. These are just two examples; however, there can be multiple variations

dependant on the method design.

Communication of the results of the data analysis can include a combination of both quantitative and

qualitative methods. The structure of the report, like the data analysis, follows the type of strategy chosen

for the proposed study (Kerlinger, 1979). Quantitative research characteristically generalizes findings, and

qualitative research presents multiple views and will form different perspectives. The methods can then becombined approaches to present data that is corroborated, which may also generalize findings.

The mixed methods approach in simple terms combines both tenets from qualitative and quantitative

design. By applying the methodology, both quantitative and qualitative data can be collected and analyzed.

The benefit is that the study contains information from data that is merged. The results produced help

researchers better understand the phenomenon that is studied. Last, it is up to the researcher to determine if

priority may be given to one or the other form of qualitative or quantitative research.

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