Research Methods & Studies

A mixed methods approach seeks to make the best of both worlds by combining quantitative and qualitative methods in order to "obtain better-informed research, more complete findings, and increased communication between qualitative and quantitative researchers" (Bachman, 2014). According to Tashakorri and Creswell (2007), these studies do this in one or more of the following ways:

• two types of research questions (with qualitative and quantitative approaches),
• the manner in which the research questions are developed (participatory vs. preplanned),
• two types of sampling procedures (e.g., probability and purposive),
• two types of data collection procedures (e.g., focus groups and surveys),
• two types of data (e.g., numerical and textual),
• two types of data analysis (statistical and thematic), and
• two types of conclusions (emic and etic representations, ‘‘objective’’ and ‘‘subjective,’’ etc.).

Over the years, the mixed methods approach has been gaining popularity within the field of research as a way to make up for the shortcomings found within other forms of methodologies.

Further Reading:

• Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in Health Sciences
• Linking research questions to mixed methods data analysis procedures 1

Looking for additional readings on or examples of mixed methods research? Click the image below or here for a list of relevant resources.

Bachman, R., & Brent, J. (2014). Mixed methods. In J. S. Albanese, Wiley series of encyclopedias in criminology and criminal justice: The encyclopedia of criminology and criminal justice. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from http://ezproxyles.flo.org/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/wileycacj/mixed_methods/0?institutionId=1429
Tashakorri, A., & Creswell, J.W. (2007). The new era of mixed method research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(1): 3-7.