I am currently doing an action research for vocabulary teaching. I am quite confused in setting the research questions for my study as I have decided to imply mixed methods design in data collection.
The textbooks on the methods of empirical social sciences do not prescribe to any researcher whether he should use more quantitative or qualitative methods, nor is there a rule whether one should use a quantitative qualitative method-mixture. This depends solely on the research task. Nor is the proportion of qualitative and quantitative research prescribed in a mixed method study. "Mixed methd study" is not a particular type of research that prescribes anything to researchers. This term should always be considered as the result of the methods used. If I use both quantitative and qualitative methods for my research project, I must state this in my research question, or at the latest in the description of the methods.
Hi Rein,
Can't say that I fully agree with you.
Zachary - mixed methods works best when there is an 'over-arching' initial question that cannot be answered by a singular approach or methodology. Each 'phase' (methodology) requires different questions to address the 'overall'. Quantitative and qualitative phases must use different questions to address their different criteria to address the 'whole'. For instance, you can't state an hypothesis to fulfil the qualitative component of the study.
I do not think that it is necessary. For example, you can utilize both qualitative and quantitative data in order to address one primary research question (i.e., the over arching goalㅡyou may have more than sub research questions) in a mixed method study.
Thank your for the responses dearest Dean Whitehead Hein Retter Claire Su-Yeon Park ..
I think the key issue is matching your purposes to a design that will meet those purposes. For example, two of the most common mixed methods designs are "exploratory sequential" and "explanatory sequential." In the exploratory sequential design (qual --> QUANT), you begin with a smaller, discovery-oriented qualitative study that helps you develop the content for the quantitative study. In the explanatory sequential design (QUANT --> qual), you follow-up a larger quantitative study with a smaller qualitative study that helps you understand the results of the quantitative study.
Of course, there are any number of other mixed methods research designs, but the overall point is that translating your goals into a design will help you clarify how your research questions are related to your design.
Zachary, if I understand your question correctly, you are asking if, in a mixed methods study, you need to combine your qualitative and quantitative questions in a single question. The answer is no; many mixed methods studies involve separate qualitative and quantitative questions. However, not all research questions are strictly qualitative or quantitative; in many cases, both qualitative and quantitative data are relevant to answering a question.
In my view, "matching your purposes to a design," as David Morgan recommends, is the end result of a lengthy process of figuring out your goals and your theoretical framework, developing tentative questions, deciding what sorts of data
could answer these questions, and what validity threats you would need to address, and selecting the data collection and analysis methods that will allow you to collect the data you need answer these questions validly. You will get yourself in trouble if you try to pick a type of design without having gone through this process. See the attached paper.
Zachary, I want to agree with with Joseph Alex Maxwell to say no in response to your question. You can have separate qualitative or quantitative research questions or have questions that require the use of qualitative and quantitative data to answer the questions
Thank you so much to all. I have got the answer based on the responses given.
Is there any possibility that one uses qualitative-quantitative quasi-experimental research design? We will make use the qualitative part for the interview, quantitative for the quantitative analysis of the results, and quasi-experimental since we will be using a control and experimental group.
The purpose for your quasi-experiemtnal design seems to be self-explanatory, but what would the qualitative method add to it?
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