Global Academic Journal of Linguistics and Literature

Available online at https://gajrc.com/journal/gajll/home

DOI: 10.36348/gajll.2023.v05i01.002

ISSN 2706-9028 (P)

ISSN 2707-2541 (O)

Original Research Article

Exploring the Mixed Methods Research Design: Types, Purposes,

Strengths, Challenges, and Criticisms
Dr. Lok Raj Sharma1*, Sandesh Bidari2, Dinesh Bidari2, Sushil Neupane2, Rambabu Sapkota2
1Associate Professor of English, Makawanpur Multiple Campus, Municipality Rd, Hetauda 44100, Nepal
2Lecturer of Management, Makawanpur Multiple Campus, Municipality Rd, Hetauda 44100, Nepal

*Corresponding Author Abstract: A mixed methods research design, which is a complex approach,
Dr. Lok Raj Sharma
combines both quantitative and qualitative data in a single study or succession
Associate Professor of English,
Makawanpur Multiple Campus, of studies. This design can be particularly functional for exploring complex
Municipality Rd, Hetauda 44100, research questions that cannot be fully answered by using a single research
Nepal design. Moreover, a mixed methods design is necessary to examine the
relationships between different variables because examining the relationships
Article History
Received: 07.12.2022 between diverse variables is not viable just through a single research design.
Accepted: 16.01.2023 This design is required to complement and cater to the increasingly
Published: 20.01.2023 multifarious requirements of contemporary researchers. This article, which
explores and discusses types, purposes, strengths, challenges and criticisms of
the mixed methods research design as its objectives, stems from an analysis of
some notable works in the field. It is grounded on the secondary qualitative
data accumulated in the forms of words from journal articles and books related
to the research designs. It assists the novices in the field of research in
particular and other researchers in general by providing them with an
overview of mixed methods design along with its types, such as convergent
parallel, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential, embedded,
transformative and multi-phage designs.
Keywords: Benefits, challenges, criticism, mixed methods research designs.
Copyright © 2023 The Author(s): This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
International License (CC BY-NC 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial use
provided the original author and source are credited.

1. INTRODUCTION research paradigm. A research paradigm is a

Research is a systematic and in-depth study philosophical aspect about the world or the nature
of a specific topic or problem in order to gain new of reality and it guides us how we approach it to
knowledge, comprehend underlying principles, and comprehend it (Maxwell, 2005). It refers to the
identify patterns or trends. It is an investigative underlying assumptions and beliefs that guide a
process that involves collecting, analyzing, and research study. Mixed methods research design,
interpreting data or information from a variety of which is based on the pragmatic worldview
sources. It is an intellectual and creative activity (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010), allows the
(Best & Kahn, 2010), and a search of knowledge combination of qualitative and quantitative
(Kothari & Garg, 2014). Such a creative activity or methods. There are primarily six types of research
search of knowledge can be accomplished with the designs under the mixed methods research design:
help of a research design. Research design is the convergent parallel, explanatory sequential,
overall plan which provides specific direction for exploratory sequential, embedded, transformative,
procedures in a research (Creswell, 2014; Kerlinger, and multi-phase designs. Mixed methods research is
1986). The research design is primarily guided by a also called ‘quantitative and qualitative methods’
Citation: Lok Raj Sharma, Sandesh Bidari, Dinesh Bidari, Sushil Neupane, Rambabu Sapkota (2023). Exploring the Mixed
Methods Research Design: Types, Purposes, Strengths, Challenges, and Criticisms. Glob Acad J Linguist Lit; Vol-5, Iss-1 pp-3-12.
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(Fielding & Fielding, 1986). It acknowledges the (Enosh, Tzafrir, & Stolovy, 2014) and assists to
approach that is actually a combination of methods. generalize findings and implications of the
It is termed ‘hybrid research’ (Ragin, Nagel, & White, researched issues to the whole population. It
2004), ‘combined research’ (Creswell, 1994) or embraces multiple ways of seeing and hearing
‘methodological triangulation’ (Morse, 1991). There (Greene, 2007).
are some benefits and challenges of using the mixed
methods research designs; however this approach 2.2 When to Conduct the Mixed Methods Design
has gained popularity in recent years because it Researchers conduct a mixed methods
allows researchers to take advantage of the research design when they have both quantitative
strengths of both qualitative and quantitative and qualitative data as both types of data, jointly,
methods and to address research questions in a supply better understanding of the research
more comprehensive way. problem. It is an appropriate design if they search
for building on the strengths of both data. Mixing of
This article explores and discusses the types two types of data makes an extremely powerful mix
of the mixed methods research design in a precise (Miles & Huberman, 1994) and enables us to
and concise way in order to assist researchers for develop an intricate picture of societal phenomenon
choosing an appropriate research design to bring (Greene & Caracelli, 1997). The researchers also
forth research studies reliably and validly in the carry out a mixed methods study when one type of
fields of their interest. data is not sufficient to address the research
problem. Moreover, it is used to provide an
2. LITERATURE REVIEW alternative viewpoint in a study.
Literature review fundamentally involves
types of the mixed methods research designs along 2.3 Reasons for Using Mixed Methods Research
with their purposes, strengths and challenges. Design
Review also includes the criticisms regarding the Using both qualitative and quantitative
mixed methods design. methods in research can offer a more
comprehensive understanding of a research
2.1 Mixed Methods Research Designs phenomenon. This is because MMR allows
Several writers working in different researchers to gather and integrate multiple data
disciplines and countries maintain that the mixed sources to study complex problems (Poth & Munce,
methods commenced from the late 1980s. Writers 2020) and gives them the ability to view a problem
from sociology in the United States (Brewer & from different perspectives and research lenses
Hunter, 1989) and in the United Kingdom (Fielding (Shorten & Smith, 2017). It also allows researchers
& Fielding, 1986); from evaluation in the United to consolidate data in a purposeful way, enabling
States (Greene, Caracelli, & Graham, 1989); from them to gain a wider view of their study. The
management in the United Kingdom (Bryman, combination of closed-ended quantitative data and
1988); from nursing in Canada (Morse, 1991); from open-ended qualitative data can also be useful in
medicine in the United States (Crabtree & Miller, understanding a research problem (Creswell, 2003).
1992); and from education in the United States
(Creswell , 1994) all sketched out that the mixed Employing both data sets allows the
methods initiated from the late 1980s to the early researchers to answer the same research question
1990s. with greater certainty and wider implications in the
conclusion (Maxwell, 2016; Morgan, 2014). Mixing
Mixed methods research designs involve the two methods can produce a more complete picture
combination of qualitative and quantitative research and provide a greater variety of divergent or
methods in a particular study. Mixed methods complementary views, which can enhance our
research may be the correct choice when the understanding of a phenomenon and open up new
research process specifies that quantitative or avenues for future research (Teddlie & Tashakkori,
qualitative data alone cannot sufficiently answer the 2009). Additionally, mixed-methods research can
research question. It takes on a two-phase project provide a holistic view of a phenomenon and offer
(Creswell, 2014). Mixed-method designs proffer insights into different components of the
many advantages for approaching complex research phenomenon, potentially leading to the
questions because they incorporate both post- development of substantive theories (Venkatesh,
positivist and interpretivist philosophical Brown, & Bala, 2013).
frameworks (Fetters, 2016). It also provides a logical
basis, methodological suppleness, and a profound An MMR approach is a way of combining
understanding of small cases (Maxwell, 2016). The both qualitative and quantitative methods in order
use of mixed methods enables researchers to answer to overcome the differences between these two
research questions with adequate depth and width paradigms and provide a more reliable way of

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obtaining knowledge (Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2009; Reporting the findings: The findings of the study
Bergman, 2008). By using both methods, the are reported in a research report or academic
strengths of one method can compensate for the publication. This typically includes a detailed
weaknesses of the other, leading to more rigorous description of the research design, the presentation
conclusions (Clark & Ivankova, 2016). One key of the results, and discussion of the implications and
aspect of an MMR approach is data triangulation, limitations of the study.
which involves comparing the findings from one
method (Bergman, 2008) to those obtained from 2.5 Purposes of Mixed Methods Research Design
another (Clark & Ivankova, 2016) in order to Mixed methods research is a research
validate the results and obtain a more complete design that involves collecting, analyzing, and
understanding of the research issue (Teddlie & integrating both quantitative and qualitative data in
Tashakkori, 2009). This process of triangulation can a particular study or series of studies. Quantitative
lead to stronger inferences and increase the research is regarded as a deductive approach and
credibility of the conclusions drawn from the qualitative as an inductive approach towards
research (Venkatesh, Brown, & Bala, 2013). The research (Rovai, Baker, & Ponton, 2014). Qualitative
rationale for combining the two methods is to create data are subjective in nature (Tracey, 2013). There
more accurate and nuanced conclusions by using the are several purposes for using a mixed methods
results from one method, either qualitative or research design;
quantitative, to guide or influence the application of
the other method either qualitative or quantitative To triangulate data: By accumulating and analyzing
method (Clark & Ivankova, 2016). both quantitative and qualitative data, researchers
triangulate their findings, which means that they can
2.4 Process of the Mixed Methods Research use multiple sources of evidence to confirm or
Design clarify their results. Data triangulation in a mixed-
The process of using a mixed methods methods study is generally accepted as a strategy for
research design typically involves the following validating results obtained through the individual
steps: method (Bergman, 2008).

Defining the research questions and objectives: To enrich the findings of a study: By collecting and
The first step involves defining the research analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data,
questions, and setting specific objectives of the researchers gain a more entire understanding of the
study. research problem and the phenomena under
investigation.
Choosing the research design: In this step,
researchers make a decision about the use of the To explore and explain complex phenomena:
specific mixed methods design. Mixed methods research is mainly well-suited for
studying complex phenomena that cannot be
Collecting data: Researchers collect both adequately understood using a single research
quantitative and qualitative data using the methods method.
chosen in the research design. This may involve
administering surveys, conducting interviews, To increase the validity and reliability of the
conducting observations, or other types of collecting findings: By using multiple methods to collect and
data. analyze data, researchers increase the validity and
reliability of their findings, as each method provides
Analyzing the data: The quantitative data are a different point of view on the research problem.
analyzed by using statistical techniques, whereas the
qualitative data are analyzed by using methods such To provide a holistic view of the research
as coding and thematic analysis. problem: Mixed methods research allows
researchers to reflect on both the extensive, overall
Integrating the findings: The findings from both patterns and trends in the data (quantitative) and
the quantitative and qualitative data are integrated the meaning and context behind those patterns and
and synthesized in such a way that provides a trends (qualitative).
holistic understanding of the research problem.
2.6 Strengths of Mixed Methods Research Design
Drawing conclusions and making A mixed-methods design offers a number of
recommendations: Based on the combined findings benefits, such as a logical foundation, flexibility in
from the quantitative and qualitative data, methodology, and a deeper understanding of small
conclusions are drawn and recommendations are cases (Maxwell, 2016). It also allows researchers to
made for future research. thoroughly answer research questions and

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generalize their findings and implications to the Researchers’ intensive engagement: Employing a
broader population (Enosh, Tzafrir, & Stolovy, mixed methods research design can be more
2014). This approach is informed by both post- engaging for researchers, as it allows them to use a
positivist and interpretivist philosophical multiplicity of research methods and analyze data in
frameworks (Fetters, 2016). diverse ways with resulting in the research process
more exciting and rewarding.
Triangulation is a research strategy that
involves using multiple methods or sources of data 2.7 Challenges of Mixed Methods Research
to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a Design
research problem or to test the validity of findings There are several challenges that researchers tend
(Carter, Bryant-Lukosius, DiCenso, Blythe, & Neville, to encounter when using a mixed methods research
2014). A mixed-methods design, therefore, offers the design:
best chance of answering research questions. It
combines the strengths of different methods while Complexity: Mixed methods research can be more
compensating for their weaknesses, and offers the complex than a single-method research, as it
best chance of answering research questions involves collecting and analyzing data from multiple
effectively (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). It is sources and using multiple research methods. This
becoming increasingly important to address the can make the research process more time-
impact in research (Saville, 2012). There is a lot of consuming and resource-intensive.
literature on mixed-methods research design
(Bryman, 2012; Creswell & Clark, 2018; Johnson & Integration challenges: Integrating and
Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Maxwell, 2016; Morgan, 2014; synthesizing the findings from both quantitative and
Tashakkori & Teddlie, 1998). However, it appears qualitative data can be challenging as these two
that there is not much literature available to help types of data are often analyzed and presented in
early career researchers to choose the right mixed- different ways. Researchers must be careful to
methods design for their study and understand the ensure that the findings from both methods are
reasoning behind it. The strengths of using a mixed accurately and fairly represented in the final study.
methods research design are as follows:
Limited generalizability: Depending on the
Complete understanding of the research research design and methods used, mixed methods
problem: By collecting and analyzing both research may not be generalizable to a wider
quantitative and qualitative data, researchers gain a population. This can be a concern if the study sample
more comprehensive understanding of the research is not representative of the population of interest.
problem and the phenomena under investigation.
Limited replicability: Mixed methods research can
Triangulation of data: Using multiple methods to be intricate to replicate, as it involves multiple
collect and analyze data permit researchers to methods and often relies on subjective data
triangulate their findings, which means that they can interpretation. This can create it challenging for
use multiple sources of evidence to confirm or other researchers to replicate the study and validate
clarify their results. the findings.

Increase in validity and reliability of the Biasness: Researchers may bring their own biases
findings: Using multiple methods to collect and and assumptions to the study, which can influence
analyze data increases the validity and reliability of the data collection and analysis process. This can be
the findings, because each method provides a an apprehension in both quantitative and qualitative
different perspective on the research problem. research, and it is imperative for researchers to take
steps to minimize biasness.
A holistic view of the research problem: Mixed
methods research allows researchers to consider 2.8 Types of Mixed Methods Design
both the broad, overall patterns and trends in the The common types of the mixed methods
data (quantitative) and the meaning and context research are as follows:
behind those patterns and trends (qualitative). It
provides a holistic view of the research problem. 2.8.1 Convergent Parallel Design
Creswell (2014) outlines that convergent is
Participants’ engagement: Inclusion of both a mixed methods strategy in which a researcher
quantitative and qualitative data collection methods collects both quantitative and qualitative data,
makes the participants engage in the research analyzes them separately, and then compares the
studies as it allows them to express their thoughts results to make out if the findings substantiate or
and experiences. disconfirm each other. The intent of the convergent

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design is to obtain different but complementary data understand the research problem.
on the same topic (Morse, 1991) in order to best

Figure 1: Convergent parallel design (Adapted from Creswell & Clark, 2011)

Purposes Challenges
Purposes of the convergent parallel design Convergent design requires substantial
are to obtain a more complete understanding from effort and expertise. There are issues related to the
two databases, corroborate results from different samples and sample sizes. It is difficult to converge
methods and compare multiple levels within a two sets of different data. How to resolve discrepant
system. results is difficult.

Strengths 2.8.2 Explanatory Sequential Design

This design is intuitive and efficient. It Creswell (2014) maintains that explanatory
combines the advantages of each form of data with is a mixed methods approach that involves a two-
the potentialities of generalizability and information. phase project in which the researcher accumulates
quantitative data in the first stage, analyzes the
outcomes, and then uses the outcomes to plan or
construct into the second qualitative stage.

Figure 2: Explanatory sequential design (Adapted from Creswell & Clark, 2011)

Purposes Challenges
Objectives of the explanatory design are to Explanatory design involves two phases
use qualitative data to help explain quantitative that require lengthy time to implement. It needs to
results that need further exploration, and use decide what results to follow up. It must decide
quantitative results to purposefully select best criteria for selecting participants. It needs to contact
participants for qualitative study. participants for a second round of data collection.

Strengths 2.8.3 Exploratory Sequential Design

Strengths of this design involve appealing to In this design, at first, the qualitative data
quantitative researchers. It is straightforward to are collected and analyzed, and later quantitative
implement two phases. It lends itself to emergent data are collected and tested (Schoonenboom &
approaches. Johnson, 2017; Shorten & Smith, 2017). Quantitative
measures or instruments are built up after the
qualitative findings (Terrell, 2012; Wisdom &
Creswell, 2013).

Figure 3: Exploratory sequential design (Adapted from Creswell & Clark, 2011)

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Purposes Challenges
Purposes for the exploratory design are to Exploratory design involves two phases that
first explore variables, theories, hypotheses that are require prolonged time to implement. Deciding the
not known, develop an instrument or typology that qualitative findings to use for a quantitative phase is
is not available and assess whether qualitative challenging. It has a challenge to set procedures for
themes generalize to a population or not. developing a valid and reliable instrument.

Strengths 2.8.4 Embedded Design

It is straightforward to design, implement, In an embedded design, one technique of
and report. Quantitative component can make the enquiry is done in a supportive secondary function
qualitative approach more acceptable to which facilitates researchers and readers to
quantitative-biased audiences. Researchers produce construct a sense of the study in its sum. It inquires
a product, such as an instrument. It lends itself to expansion, supporting, enrichment, illustration and
emergent approaches. elucidation of the results from one method using the
outcomes from the other approach. This design
holds its strength to unite the advantages of both the
quantitative data and the qualitative data (Creswell,
2012).

Figure 4: Embedded design (Adapted from Creswell & Clark, 2011)

Purposes purpose for collecting the supplemental data. It must

Purposes for the embedded design are to decide when to collect supplemental data. Results
address different questions that call for different are difficult to integrate. It must consider treatment
methods, enhance an experiment such as by biasness if qualitative data are collected during
improving recruitment procedures, examine the experiment.
intervention process and explain reactions to the
participation. 2.8.5 Transformative Mixed methods Design
Transformative mixed methods design is a
Strengths research design that entails collecting and analyzing
This design may require less time and fewer data using both qualitative and quantitative methods
resources. It improves the larger design with with the purpose of achieving a transformative
supplemental data. It fits a team approach well and understanding of the research question. It is based
may be able to publish results separately. It keeps on the idea that the research process itself can be
appealing to those accustomed to traditional transformative, and that the research findings can
designs. have a transformative effect on the individuals or
society being studied. The strength of this design is
Challenges that it is value-oriented and ideological (Greene ,
Embedded design needs expertise in 2007).
primary design and mixed methods. It must specify a

Figure 5: Transformative mixed methods design (Adapted from Creswell & Clark, 2011)

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Purposes stakeholders, and offering flexibility and

The purposes of the transformative mixed adaptability: It is a flexible approach that can be
methods designs are to explore a phenomenon from adapted to fit the needs of different research
multiple perspectives and capture a fuller range of questions and contexts. It allows researchers to be
experiences and perspectives, challenge dominant creative and to tailor their research design to the
paradigms or develop new theories or practices specific needs of their study.
based on a more comprehensive understanding of a
phenomenon, shed light on issues of social justice Challenges
and advocate for change in policies or practices that Although it is a powerful and innovative
are harmful or inequitable, facilitate dialogue and approach, it poses the challenges like complexity in
collaboration between researchers and nature, limited availability of resources, lack of
stakeholders, such as community members, policy familiarity, and ethical considerations. Researchers
makers, or practitioners. It is a flexible and adaptive must be mindful of these issues and take
research approach that can be used to address appropriate measures to protect the welfare of
complex and multifaceted research questions and participants.
promote social change.
2.8.6 Multi-phase Mixed Design
Strengths It is a research design that takes on
It is a research approach that combines collecting and analyzing data using both qualitative
qualitative and quantitative methods in a way that and quantitative methods in multiple phases. Its goal
aims at transforming or challenging existing is to provide a more complete and accurate
theories, practices, or viewpoints. It is a relatively understanding of the research question by collecting
new approach that has been applied in a variety of and analyzing data from both qualitative and
disciplines. Its strengths lie in providing quantitative sources in multiple phases. It is to
comprehensive understanding of complex address a set of incremental research questions that
phenomena, challenging dominant paradigms and all advance one programmatic research object
promoting social justice, facilitating dialogue and (Creswell & Clark, 2011).
collaboration between researchers and

Figure 6: Multi-phase mixed design (Adapted from Creswell & Clark, 2011)

Purposes limited availability of resources, ethical

Purposes of this design are to explore and considerations, time consuming in data collection
understand complex phenomena, answer research and analysis, and challenges in data analysis.
questions that require both qualitative and
quantitative data, collect and analyze both types of 3. METHOD AND MATERIALS
data in a structured way, validate findings and Words, phrases or language written or
increase reliability, adapt and refine the research documented in journal articles and books on
design and explore complex phenomena and answer research design are the secondary data that were
research questions that require multiple methods employed to write this review article. This article
and perspectives. grounded on the qualitative research uses all the
terms related to research designs as the materials
Strengths for research.
The strengths of the multi-phase design are
triangulation of their results, flexibility in gaining 4. Criticism of Mixed Methods Research
new information, richness of data, opportunities for Despite the fact that the mixed methods
iteration, and a deeper understanding of the research design provides a more comprehensive
research. understanding of a research problem by blending
both qualitative and quantitative data collection and
Challenges analysis techniques in a single study, it is not free
Using the mixed methods design undergoes from critical remarks. Some of the criticisms
the challenges like complexity in combing data, regarding the mixed methods research involve
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difficulty in integrating the results from the diverse outside. It is also useful for studying groups that are
methods, time-consuming and resource-intensive in in flux or undergoing change, as the researcher is
data collection and analysis, and biasness in data able to document and analyze these changes as they
analysis procedure. happen. Transformative research design seeks to
challenge and transform existing ways of thinking
There is a debate among researchers about and acting. It is characterized by a focus on
the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods empowering and enabling individuals and
in a single study. Some argue that uniting two communities to effect change and promote social
approaches is incompatible (Hammersley, 1996) justice. Multi-phase mixed methods research design
due to differences in their assumptions about reality, involves collecting and analyzing both types of data
truth, and the relationship between the researcher at multiple points to refine the research question
and the research subject (Smith, 1983). In this and methods. It can provide a more comprehensive
design, one paradigm preludes the other (Guba, and nuanced understanding of research questions
1987). Others believe that the use of both methods and phenomena, and is a useful approach for
can be beneficial, as they offer complementary researchers who are looking to incorporate multiple
insights. It is necessary to blend both types of data in perspectives and methods in their studies. This
order to develop a more complete understanding of article poses that every research design has its
the topic (Wittink, Barg, & Gallo, 2006). purposes, strengths and challenges. Researchers
must be mindful of using an appropriate research
Mixed-methods research does not retain design for conducting research studies. This article
sufficient data and analysis to support its through over viewing the types of the mixed
conclusions (Wilkinson & Staley, 2019) by trying to methods research design intends to assist the
accomplish too much in one study by combining researchers in choosing a reliable and valid mixed
qualitative and quantitative methods (Hammersley, methods research design in the field of their interest.
2014). Despite these challenges, there has been a
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