Mixed Method Research

Question 1

Mixed Methods Research

Answer 1

• Systematic integration or ‘mixing’ qualitative and quantitative methods and data for single research question
• Done with the believe that both types of studies will give clear understanding to the question studied
• Researchers seek to build on the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative research methods

Question 2

Why is Mixed Method Research used?

Answer 2

(a) triangulation, or seeking convergence of results;
(b) complementarity, or examining overlapping and different facets of a phenomenon;
(c) initiation, or discovering paradoxes, contradiction, fresh perspectives;
(d) development, or using the methods sequentially, such that results from the first method inform the use of the second method
(e) expansion, or mixed methods adding breadth and scope to a project.

Question 3

Criteria for Choosing Strategy

Answer 3

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Question 4

Sequential Explanatory Strategy

Answer 4

• Most straightforward strategy
• First collection and analysis of quantitative data, and then collection and analysis of qualitative data
• Integrated during interpretation stage of the findings
• Used qualitative results to assist and explaining/interpreting the findings of the primarily quantitative study

Question 5

Sequential Exploratory Strategy

Answer 5

• First collection and analysis of qualitative data, and then collection and analysis of quantitative data
• Integrated during interpretation stage of the findings
• The purpose is to use quant. data and results to assist in the interpretation of qualitative data

Question 6

Concurrent Triangulation Strategy

Answer 6

• Researcher uses 2 separate methods in an attempt to confirm, cross-validate, or corroborate findings within one single study
• Purpose: Generally, both methods are used to overcome a weakness in using one method with the strengths of another.
• Priory – equal (but in reality, there is a preference)
• Data collection is concurrent
• Data results compared

Question 7

Concurrent Nested Strategy

Answer 7

• A nested approach that gives priority to one of the methods and guides the project, while another serves as a secondary method, which is embedded or “nested” (ex. addresses a different question) within the primary
• The purpose of the nested method is to address a different question than the dominant or to seek information from different levels.