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Complete Mixed Methods Research Report

Mixed Methods Research Design combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of research problems. It has gained popularity in various fields due to its ability to address complex questions by integrating statistical evidence and personal insights. The document outlines six types of Mixed Methods Designs and four principles that guide researchers in conducting effective studies.

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12 views

Complete Mixed Methods Research Report

Mixed Methods Research Design combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of research problems. It has gained popularity in various fields due to its ability to address complex questions by integrating statistical evidence and personal insights. The document outlines six types of Mixed Methods Designs and four principles that guide researchers in conducting effective studies.

Uploaded by

jamaliadibarosan18
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Mixed Methods Research Design

Introduction
In conducting research, there are various methods that researchers can use to gather and
analyze data. One of the most flexible and comprehensive approaches in research is the
Mixed Methods Research Design. This design combines both quantitative methods, which
involve numerical data and statistical analysis, and qualitative methods, which focus on
words, themes, and personal experiences. By combining these two approaches, researchers
are able to gain a deeper and more complete understanding of a research problem.

The importance of Mixed Methods Research cannot be understated. In today’s complex


world, research questions often require both statistical evidence and personal insights. This
is why Mixed Methods Research Design has gained popularity, especially in education,
health sciences, social sciences, and business research.

As Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) stated, using mixed methods allows researchers to
explore complex issues from multiple perspectives, making their findings richer, more
reliable, and more applicable to real-life situations.

Types of Mixed Methods Design


Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) outlined six commonly used types of Mixed Methods
Designs. Each design has specific characteristics and is used depending on the research
objectives and the kind of data needed.

1. Convergent Parallel Design


This design involves collecting quantitative and qualitative data at the same time or parallel
to each other. Both datasets are analyzed separately and then compared to see if the results
align or differ. The purpose of this design is to get a complete understanding of a research
problem from both numeric trends and detailed personal insights.

Example: A researcher studying student performance may collect survey results


(quantitative) while also conducting interviews with students (qualitative) to understand
their study habits and motivations.

2. Explanatory Sequential Design


In this design, the researcher first gathers quantitative data. Once this data is analyzed, the
researcher then collects qualitative data to help explain or expand upon the initial results.
This design is commonly used when quantitative results need further clarification or
context.

Example: Conducting a large-scale survey on customer satisfaction (quantitative) and then


interviewing selected customers to better understand their responses (qualitative).
3. Exploratory Sequential Design
In Exploratory Sequential Design, the researcher begins by collecting qualitative data first to
explore a phenomenon. The findings from the qualitative phase are then used to develop or
guide the quantitative phase. This design is useful when little is known about a topic and the
researcher wants to build an instrument or test based on qualitative findings.

Example: Conducting interviews to explore people's perceptions of a new product, then


creating a survey based on those findings to measure perceptions on a larger scale.

4. Transformative Design
Transformative Design is guided by a specific theoretical framework or advocacy lens, such
as feminism, critical theory, or social justice. This design often addresses issues of
inequality, oppression, or social change. Both qualitative and quantitative data are collected
and integrated, but the emphasis is on promoting change and giving voice to marginalized
groups.

Example: Studying the experiences of marginalized communities through both surveys and
personal interviews to inform policy changes.

5. Embedded Design
Embedded Design involves collecting both qualitative and quantitative data within a
traditional quantitative or qualitative design. One form of data plays a supportive role to the
other. This design is commonly used in program evaluations or experimental studies.

Example: In an experiment testing the effectiveness of a new teaching method


(quantitative), interviews may also be conducted to understand participants' experiences
(qualitative).

6. Multiphase Design
Multiphase Design combines elements of multiple mixed methods designs conducted over
time. It often involves a series of separate but connected studies where findings from one
phase inform the next. This design is useful for long-term projects or complex research
problems that require several stages of data collection and analysis.

Example: A health program evaluation that involves a survey, followed by interviews, and
then a follow-up survey over several years.

Four Principles of a Mixed Methods Study

Creswell and Plano Clark (2011) also mentioned four important principles that researchers
should follow when conducting a Mixed Methods Study:
Collect both Quantitative and Qualitative Data – The study must have both types of data to
balance the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

Build Rigor for Both Types of Data – The researcher should treat both data types with equal
importance and apply appropriate methods to ensure accuracy and validity.

Integrate the Data – There should be a clear connection between the qualitative and
quantitative data, either by merging, connecting, or embedding the results.

Frame the Study within Mixed Methods Research Designs – The study must follow a clear
design structure (like the six designs mentioned) to guide the process and ensure clarity
and organization.

Conclusion
Mixed Methods Research Design provides researchers with a powerful approach to
understanding complex research problems. By combining both quantitative and qualitative
data, researchers gain a more comprehensive view of their subject matter. Each design
within the mixed methods framework has its unique strengths and is suited to different
types of research questions. Ultimately, the choice of design depends on the research goals,
the nature of the data, and the needs of the study.

References

Creswell, J.W. and Plano Clark, V.L., 2011. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods
Research. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Creswell, J.W., 2014. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Mertens, D.M., 2010. Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating
Diversity With Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA:
SAGE Publications.

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