Creating and Implementing a Mixed Method Research Study

Creating and Implementing a Mixed Method Research Study

Mette L. Baran, Janice E. Jones
Copyright: © 2016 |Pages: 10
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0007-0.ch015
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Abstract

This chapter serves as a guideline for outlining the core characteristics of mixed methods research (MMR) and the various steps researchers undertake in order to conduct a research study. The purpose is to create a worksheet assisting the researcher step by step from beginning to end following the seven steps to conducting research. While the focus is on MMR the steps are similar for any type of research methodology. It is important to note that MMR is not a limiting form of research. Researchers need a MMR question and a mixed methods purpose statement for the research project. This chapter will also help explain why mixed method research is one of the best approaches in answering a research question. Finally, the chapter includes a suggestion to the importance of adding a visual diagram of the MMR into the research project and into the final report.
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Starting Your Research Journey

Use the guiding questions below to develop your research plan.

Reasons for Conducting Mixed Methods Research?

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    The Compatibility of Quantitative and Qualitative Methods.

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    Strengths and Weaknesses of Mixed Methods Research.

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    Triangulation, Complementarity, Expansion.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

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    Deductive data analysis.

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    Strength and Weaknesses of Quantitative Methods (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Steps in deductive research

978-1-5225-0007-0.ch015.f01
Source: Trochim, 2006

Characteristics of Qualitative Research

  • •

    Inductive data analysis.

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    Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Methods (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Steps in inductive research

978-1-5225-0007-0.ch015.f02
Source: Trochim, 2006

Order of Methodology: Which Comes First: Quantitative or Qualitative?

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    Explanatory: Quantitative data are collected first with qualitative data collection following.

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    Exploratory: Qualitative data are collected first with quantitative data collection following.

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    Descriptive: Either Quantitative or Qualitative comes first.

Describe your methodology:

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Assumptions That Differentiate Qualitative And Quantitative Studies

Epistemology

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    Qualitative researchers believe there are multiple realities represented by the participants' perspectives.

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    Quantitative researchers believe a single, objective reality exists.

Context

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    Qualitative researchers believe context is critical to understanding the phenomena being studied.

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    Quantitative researchers do not believe context is an important factor.

Describe your worldview and epistemology including researcher assumptions about the research:

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