Hi Hadya

Mixed-methods research is currently being recognised as the third major research approach and those in the field are working towards a definition of this paradigm (Giddings & Grant 2007; Johnson et al. 2011). Whether the search for a single definition is necessary, or even desirable, remains unclear. For the sake of clarity therefore, I use the term as defined by Tashakkori and Creswell (2007 p 4) as ‘research in which the investigator collects and analyses data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study or a program of inquiry’. There are many and  immediate benefits to be gained from not separating quantitative and qualitative research into distinct categories but, instead, acknowledging and understanding their interrelated nature and processes. The important thing is that researchers do not restrict themselves to a limited range of conventional research approaches or methods.

Mixed-methods research offers a way of making research more meaningful, complete and purposeful than is the case when using either a singular qualitative or quantitative approach, and provides the researcher with other valuable tools to add to their research resources. It is, therefore, based on the principles of 'triangulation'. 

Historically, methodological triangulation (or pluralism), from its social science origins in the 1950s, was limited to just parts of a whole study. Denzin (1978) later on sought to expand the scope of mixed-methods research to the whole research design. His intention was to reduce the incidence of research error often associated with studies that used single methods, single researchers or single theories. In today’s context, methodological triangulation/pluralism are terms used to denote a single research study that uses a combination of research approaches, paradigms and/or methods. Essentially both terms refer to the same process although it is more common to see the term triangulation, rather than pluralism, used. As the position of mixed-methods research becomes more established it is becoming more commonplace to see studies that are of a mixed-methods design, but they do not use the term or associated terms to describe this fact. Assumptions are made that the consumer of such studies will understand when a study uses mixed methodology. Where this is the case, the things to look for and the main rationales proposed for conducting a ‘blended’ mixed-methods study are: triangulation; completeness; off-setting weaknesses and providing stronger inferences; answering different research questions; wider explanation of findings; broader illustration of data; potential hypotheses development and testing; and possible instrument development and testing (Doyle et al. 2009).

It is necessary to have a good understanding of different types, categories and combinations of mixed methods before commencing or reviewing this type of research. Depending on what the main aims of any research study are, certain triangulation methods will work better than others. There are a number of different ‘types’ of triangulation. 

 

HI,

Go through these links below.

http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/resources/uploads/app/35/files/arc_doc/mixed_methods.pdf

http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/10981_Chapter_1.pdf

http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic1334586.files/2003_Creswell_A%20Framework%20for%20Design.pdf

http://www.col.org/sitecollectiondocuments/a5.pdf

http://obssr.od.nih.gov/scientific_areas/methodology/mixed_methods_research/section2.aspx

A mixed research method can be understood as using more than one method, normally a quantitative plus a qualitative, in different stages of a study to make full use of the advantages (and avoid the disadvantages) of each method.

Following links to Sage Publications may be useful to you:

1. http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/10981_Chapter_1.pdf

2. http://www.uk.sagepub.com/upm-data/38123_Chapter2.pdf

If you want to know more, you may read articles in Journal of Mixed Methods Research.

Hi Hadya

Mixed-methods research is currently being recognised as the third major research approach and those in the field are working towards a definition of this paradigm (Giddings & Grant 2007; Johnson et al. 2011). Whether the search for a single definition is necessary, or even desirable, remains unclear. For the sake of clarity therefore, I use the term as defined by Tashakkori and Creswell (2007 p 4) as ‘research in which the investigator collects and analyses data, integrates the findings, and draws inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approaches or methods in a single study or a program of inquiry’. There are many and  immediate benefits to be gained from not separating quantitative and qualitative research into distinct categories but, instead, acknowledging and understanding their interrelated nature and processes. The important thing is that researchers do not restrict themselves to a limited range of conventional research approaches or methods.

Mixed-methods research offers a way of making research more meaningful, complete and purposeful than is the case when using either a singular qualitative or quantitative approach, and provides the researcher with other valuable tools to add to their research resources. It is, therefore, based on the principles of 'triangulation'. 

Historically, methodological triangulation (or pluralism), from its social science origins in the 1950s, was limited to just parts of a whole study. Denzin (1978) later on sought to expand the scope of mixed-methods research to the whole research design. His intention was to reduce the incidence of research error often associated with studies that used single methods, single researchers or single theories. In today’s context, methodological triangulation/pluralism are terms used to denote a single research study that uses a combination of research approaches, paradigms and/or methods. Essentially both terms refer to the same process although it is more common to see the term triangulation, rather than pluralism, used. As the position of mixed-methods research becomes more established it is becoming more commonplace to see studies that are of a mixed-methods design, but they do not use the term or associated terms to describe this fact. Assumptions are made that the consumer of such studies will understand when a study uses mixed methodology. Where this is the case, the things to look for and the main rationales proposed for conducting a ‘blended’ mixed-methods study are: triangulation; completeness; off-setting weaknesses and providing stronger inferences; answering different research questions; wider explanation of findings; broader illustration of data; potential hypotheses development and testing; and possible instrument development and testing (Doyle et al. 2009).

It is necessary to have a good understanding of different types, categories and combinations of mixed methods before commencing or reviewing this type of research. Depending on what the main aims of any research study are, certain triangulation methods will work better than others. There are a number of different ‘types’ of triangulation. 

 

Thanks all for your help

Hi,

Mixed research means the  research that involves the mixing of quantitative and qualitative methods or paradigm characteristics.  The two major types of mixed research, mixed method and mixed model research.  The mixing of quantitative and qualitative research can take many forms. In fact, the possibilities for mixing are almost infinite.

Hi Hayda,

In addition to the suggested publications by the others, if you can read French, the following is my preferred French method research book (I have used it for my PhD), as it is extremely clear, accurate and just precise:

Fortin, M.-F. et Gagnon, J. (2010). Fondements et étapes du processus de recherche: Méthodes quantitatives et qualitatives. (2eme éd.). Montréal : Chenelière Éducation inc.

Good luck!

Ralph

Hi Hayda,

I just came across to this very interesting discussion group on the best books/authors on mixed research. I think you should have a look at it:

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_best_books_authors_to_consult_in_order_to_get_more_than_a_fair_understanding_of_mixed_method_research

Best,

Ralph

Thanks a lot for your kind help

Hi,

For your question, kindly see the following links:

http://obssr.od.nih.gov/scientific_areas/methodology/mixed_methods_research/section2.aspx

http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/resources/uploads/app/35/files/arc_doc/mixed_methods.pdf

http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/35066_Chapter3.pdf

http://www.nd.edu.au/downloads/research/ihrr/using_mixed_methods_approach_to_enhance_and_validate_your_research.pdf

http://blog.dedoose.com/2012/10/what-is-mixed-methods-research/