The Challenges of Using Mixed Methods

1. Definition

Mixed methods research is the type of research in which a researcher or team of researchers combines elements of qualitative and quantitative research approaches (e.g., use of qualitative and quantitative viewpoints, data collection, analysis, inference techniques) for the broad purposes of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration. (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, & Turner, 2007)

2. Different types of mixed methods research 

(Johnson et al., 2007)

3. Six possible categories or designs of mixed method research

(McLaughlan, Nobert, O’Reilly, & Thorkelsson, n.d.)

4. Rationales of mixed methods

(Symonds & Gorard, 2008)

5. Challenges of mixed methods

(Greenwood & Terry, 2012)

6. Conclusion

Designing and implementing a mixed methods research project is a challenging undertaking for the novice researcher. (Greenwood & Terry, 2012)

References

Greenwood, M. D., & Terry, K. J. (2012). Demystifying mixed methods research: Participation in a reading group “sign posts” the way. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 6(2), 98–108. http://doi.org/10.5172/mra.2012.6.2.98

Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2007). Toward a Definition of Mixed Methods Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 112–133. Retrieved from The SAGE encyclopedia of qualitative research methods

McLaughlan, M., Nobert, M., O’Reilly, L., & Thorkelsson, P. (n.d.). Mixed Methods Research: An Emerging Paradigm? University of Victoria.

Symonds, J. E., & Gorard, S. (2008). The death of mixed methods: research labels and their casualties. In The British Educational Research Association Annual Conference (pp. 1–19). Edinburgh: Heriot-Watt University. http://doi.org/10.1080/09500790.2010.483514