Mixed methods research resides in the middle of this continuum because it incorporates elements of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Mixed methods research is an approach to inquiry involving collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, integrating the two forms of data, and using distinct designs that may involve philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks. Mixed methods combine qualitative and/or quantitative methods during either collecting or analyzing data. The main assumption is that combining qualitative or quantitative methods provides a comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
Literally...arguably, mixed methods research is exactly what it says on the tin---a mix of research methods whether quantitative or qualitative (I've been taken to task in this forum for this view) although the growing 'orthodoxy' demands a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods for, as you say, "..a comprehensive understanding .." of what you are researching; and I agree.
This may seem contradictory, but I don't see it as so.
We can mix qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to gather information about a research problem. It could be interviews and surveys. My upcoming dissertation research for instance, I will be using mixed methods- explaratory sequential mixed method. I will first conduct interviews with key informants and community members to get a deeper understanding of the research problem and based on my findings, I collect quantitative data in the form of surveys from households in the same study area. So I will be integrating data from both methods in my final analysis and write up.
Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative research and qualitative research in order to answer your research question. Mixed methods can help you gain a more complete picture than a standalone quantitative or qualitative study, as it integrates benefits of both methods.
Mixed methods research is often used in the behavioral, health, and social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research.
Mixed methods research question examples
To what extent does the frequency of traffic accidents (quantitative) reflect cyclist perceptions of road safety (qualitative) in Amsterdam?
How do student perceptions of their school environment (qualitative) relate to differences in test scores (quantitative)?
How do interviews about job satisfaction at Company X (qualitative) help explain year-over-year sales performance and other KPIs (quantitative)?
How can voter and non-voter beliefs about democracy (qualitative) help explain election turnout patterns (quantitative) in Town X?
How do average hospital salary measurements over time (quantitative) help to explain nurse testimonials about job satisfaction (qualitative)?
In mixed methods research, we can mix various types of methods, such as:
The choice of methods to mix really depends on the nature of the research problem, the research question, and the philosophical position the researcher is approaching the question with.
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