Introduction
A number of definitions explain mixed methods research. It is a research methodology that utilizes various methods, for example, in-depth interviews and intervention trials. The research method combines and integrates other methods. This draws strengths of individual research method. Mixed research method focuses on research queries that require contextual knowledge and understanding, cultural influence and a number of perspectives. Another feature of mixed research method is that it frames a study within theoretical and philosophical positions.
Benefits of Mixed Research Methods
Because of its reasonable and instinctive appeal, it bridges the gap between quantitative and qualitative paradigms. For this reason, various researchers opt to use the mixed method research as a tool in their studies. Another fundamental importance of this methodology is its ability to put the objective of the method and purpose of the study. The mixed research method can divide data and guarantee its validity, and the height of variance can also be extremely useful. In mixed methods, research, the qualitative and quantitative data complement each other. The two kinds of data make each other comprehensible. This strengthens and makes the research effective. Mixed methods research can expound complex and conflicting survey responses.
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The fact that it combines both qualitative and quantitative gives a better understanding of the research than either of the two alone. Mixed methods research integrates biological sciences, behavioral, social, and other theoretical frameworks to enlighten all study phases. Critical theories, ecological theories, stress theory, complexity theory and others can be integrated into one by mixed methods platform. Another salient feature of mixed methods research is that it provides an avenue for inquiry. When the objective is to test hypotheses, collect descriptive data or investigate the relationship between two or more variables, mixed research method offers just that. The fact that mixed methods include qualitative research makes it possible for health science researchers to learn complex phenomena. Interactions, constructs that are hard to measure, and new initiatives are also learnt. This method also helps researchers to visualize problems from diverse perspectives to improve the definition and meaning of a solo perspective. Mixed research method helps to contextualize the data and take a bigger picture of a system. The merging of qualitative and quantitative data helps to develop a comprehensive understanding of a problem.
Challenges of Mixed Research Methods
Due to different philosophical views, some researchers will find this method challenging because of their beliefs. This method can create tension because of divergent views. It requires a lot of time to carry out the number of steps entailed in mixed methods research. The duration between data collection to its analysis is long. The method also requires multiple resources to be used. In the event of a teamwork approach, it is imperative to iron out different approaches that might crop up. The leader of the team needs to be conversant with benefits and challenges that the team might face.
The National Institutes of Health has measured out page limitations. This has a negative effect the publications of mixed methods research works. Consequently, it means that researchers have to publish their work within the limited required range. Creativity is paramount in this method. Merging the qualitative and quantitative data means that samples have to be adequate and a unit of analysis that is consistent has to be used. For designs that are sequential, one has to decide how the qualitative and quantitative phases follow up each other from the results. When using pre-determined designs data analysis can prove cumbersome. Results may conflict if a researcher merges data in a concurrent design. There should be a strategy of ironing out any differences. Combination of two or more types of data results in compromise of sample data. Analysis and compilation of data is also difficult when using mixed methods research.
- Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications.
