Mixed methods research

What is mixed methods research?

  • Using more than 1 method to address the same research question in
    social research

  • ‘ the combination of different methods of data collection and / or
    data analysis techniques within a single study, frequently combining
    qualitative and quantitative approaches’ (Braun and Clarke, p. 333)

  • ‘the combination of at least one qualitative and at least one
    quantitative component in a single research project or programme’
    (Bergman, 2008, p. 7)


Why we have discussed quantitatgive and qualitative methods?


Because there are different research paradigms for different methods
and methodologies:

  • What is data?

  • How do we get data?

  • How do we analyse data?

  • Epistemology and Ontology

  • Sampling

  • Research Questions


Research paradigms: The incompatibility thesis

Quantitative:

  • Objective

  • Time and context-free generalizations

  • Elimination of bias

  • Remaining emotionally detached/uninvolved

  • Empirical approach or tests to justify hypotheses

  • Rhetorical neutrality

  • Formal detached writing style

Qualitative:

  • Subjective

  • Argue for superiority of constructivism, idealism, relativism, humanism, hermeneutics, postmodernism

  • Value bound

  • Impossible to differentiate causes and effects

  • Knower and known cannot be separated

  • ‘Rich’ and empathic description

The third paradigm

Mixed methods research is formally defined as the class of research where the researcher mixes or combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques, methods, approaches, concepts or language into a single study.

Mixed methods approaches offer a way forward

“The goal of mixed methods research is not to replace either of these
approaches but rather to draw strengths and minimize the weaknesses of both in single research studies and across studies”(Burke Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004, p.15).


To create mixed methods research:

  • To construct a mixed-model design, think about your objectives

  • To construct a mixed-method design, you’ll need to make two primary
    decisions: (a) whether you want to operate largely within one dominant paradigm or not, and (b) whether you want to conduct the phases concurrently or sequentially.

Convergent / triangulated design

  • Collecting qual and quant data at the same time

  • Analysing separately

  • Comparing/combining results

Use it when you want to:

  • Combine advantages of quant with qual

  • Validate your findings

  • Expand your findings


Exploratory sequential

  • Two-phase project

  • Qual, then quant, typically greater emphasis on quality

Use it when you want to:

  • Develop a research instrument or too

  • Develop a classification or typology for testing

  • Identify most important variables when these variables are not known


Explanatory sequential

  • Two-phase project

  • Quant, then qual, typically greater emphasis on quant

Use it when you want to…

  • explain quant data with depth qual data

  • Identify appropriate participants with whom to do depth work

Reflexivity

  • Bias

  • CUlture

  • Structure

  • Worldview

  • Personal history and background

More detail on methods

  • Survey: demographics, risk factors, protective/promotive factors, depression

  • Dwelling checklist

  • Biological data (blood pressure, weight, sight/hearing, cortisol and DHEA levels, wearables)

  • Environmental data (air quality, Earth observation/satellite, GIS/
    infrastructure, data loggers in dwellings)

  • Socio-cultural: interviews, digital day-in-the-life, ethnography, arts-based methods

  • Network modelling, statistical analysis

Strengths and weaknesses

summary

  • Mixed methods research happens when you combine more than one method (usually qualitative and quantitative) in one study.

  • Mixed methods can be exploratory or convergent in design

  • Thinking about integration and ethics early and often is important to delivering successful mixed methods research