Scribd
Upload
2 views

9

Mixed methods research integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide comprehensive insights when standalone methods are insufficient. It requires careful planning and justification of methodologies, as well as a robust analysis of both data types. The document emphasizes the importance of clearly articulating the rationale behind chosen methods and acknowledging their limitations while highlighting their strengths.

Uploaded by

biggykhair
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

9

Mixed methods research integrates both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide comprehensive insights when standalone methods are insufficient. It requires careful planning and justification of methodologies, as well as a robust analysis of both data types. The document emphasizes the importance of clearly articulating the rationale behind chosen methods and acknowledging their limitations while highlighting their strengths.

Uploaded by

biggykhair
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Mixed methods

Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. If a


standalone quantitative or qualitative study is insufficient to answer your research
question, mixed methods may be a good fit for you.

NoteKeep in mind that mixed methods research doesn’t just mean collecting both types of data. Rather,
it encompasses careful consideration and integration of both types of data into robust and strong
conclusions.

Mixed methods are less common than standalone analyses, largely because they
require a great deal of effort to pull off successfully. If you choose to pursue mixed
methods, it’s especially important to robustly justify your methods.

Example: Mixed methods

Quantitative and qualitative methods were combined to see if there was a statistically significant
relationship between the speed with which the fitness store shelved new releases from popular brands
and the likelihood that customers would return. Quantitative research involved running analyses in R on
purchase data, while qualitative research focused on the likelihood that interviewed participants
mentioned new releases.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting


Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

 Academic style
 Vague sentences
 Grammar
 Style consistency

See an example
Step 3: Describe your analysis method
Next, you should indicate how you processed and analyzed your data. Avoid going into
too much detail: you should not start introducing or discussing any of your results at this
stage.

Quantitative methods
In quantitative research, your analysis will be based on numbers. In your methods
section, you can include:
 How you prepared the data before analyzing it (e.g., checking for missing data, removing
outliers, transforming variables)
 Which software you used (e.g., SPSS, Stata or R)
 Which statistical tests you used (e.g., two-tailed t test, simple linear regression)

Example: Quantitative methods


Before analysis, the gathered data was prepared. The dataset was checked for missing data and outliers.
For this, the “outlier labeling rule” was used. All values outside the calculated range were considered
outliers (Hoaglin & Iglewicz, 1987). The data were then analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with statistical
software SPSS.

Qualitative methods
In qualitative research, your analysis will be based on language, images, and
observations (often involving some form of textual analysis).

Specific methods might include:

 Content analysis: Categorizing and discussing the meaning of words, phrases and
sentences
 Thematic analysis: Coding and closely examining the data to identify broad themes
and patterns
 Discourse analysis: Studying communication and meaning in relation to their social
context

Example: Qualitative methods


The interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted. This involved coding all the data
before identifying and reviewing six key themes. Each theme was examined to gain an understanding of
participants’ perceptions and motivations.

Mixed methods
Mixed methods combine the above two research methods, integrating both qualitative
and quantitative approaches into one coherent analytical process.

Step 4: Evaluate and justify the methodological


choices you made
Above all, your methodology section should clearly make the case for why you chose
the methods you did. This is especially true if you did not take the most standard
approach to your topic. In this case, discuss why other methods were not suitable for
your objectives, and show how this approach contributes new knowledge or
understanding.

In any case, it should be overwhelmingly clear to your reader that you set yourself up for
success in terms of your methodology’s design. Show how your methods should lead to
results that are valid and reliable, while leaving the analysis of the meaning, importance,
and relevance of your results for your discussion section.
TipYou can acknowledge limitations or weaknesses in the approach you chose, but justify why these
were outweighed by the strengths. Here are a few examples:

 Quantitative: Lab-based experiments cannot always accurately simulate real-life situations and
behaviors, but they are effective for testing causal relationships between variables.
 Qualitative: Unstructured interviews usually produce results that cannot be generalized beyond
the sample group, but they provide a more in-depth understanding of participants’ perceptions,
motivations, and emotions.
 Mixed methods: Despite issues systematically comparing differing types of data, a solely
quantitative study would not sufficiently incorporate the lived experience of each participant,
while a solely qualitative study would be insufficiently generalizable.

You might also like