3 Mixed method research design

Question 1

Mixed Methods Research Design

Answer 1

With a mixed methods research design, we mean an approach to inquiry involving collecting both quantitative and qualitative data.

Question 2

explanatory sequential mixed methods design

Answer 2

the researcher first conducts quantitative research, establishing the numerical relationships between variables. And then uses qualitative research to get a more detailed explanation of the causal mechanisms involved, or to help explain confusing, contradictory or unusual survey responses from the quantitative analysis.

Question 3

exploratory sequential mixed methods approach

Answer 3

the researcher first uses qualitative research to explore the different factors and variables involved in a specific phenomenon or causal process. And then uses quantitative research to get a numerical impression of the magnitude of these factors and variables, and their relations.

Question 4

convergent mixed methods design

Answer 4

the researcher uses both kinds of data collection methods at the same time in such a way that they enhance each other, resulting in a single database, which is then analyzed interpreted with respect to the same research questions.

Question 5

When to choose mixed methods design

Answer 5

Compare different perspectives drawn from quantitative and qualitative data - convergent mixed methods design

Delve into the actual causal mechanisms behind the quantified relationship - explanatory sequential mixed methods design

Find out what variables you should use to be able to quantify a certain phenomenon - exploratory sequential mixed methods design

Quantify the effects of a certain intervention, but the effects might be dependent on how certain participants perceived the situation, the intervention or the outcome, which might best be assessed by means of qualitative data - mixed methods experimental intervention design

When you compare cases there could be quantitative, as well as qualitative differences, which may give you more insight into comparative aspects. Or the other way around, you might want to identify different situations or cases by means of both qualitative and quantitative data - mixed methods case study design

Intended to evaluate the outcome of a policy intervention. The whole intervention was build up in different phases, which each had their own kind of outcomes, both quantitative as well as qualitative - mixed methods evaluation design