Mixed Method Research

Subject:
Researching And Literature Review
Submitted To:
Mam Saba Arshad
Submitted By:
1.Fatima Khan 2.Anna Hashmi
3.Faraz Aslam 4.Shan Irshad
5.Hamza Kharal 6.Muhammad Babber
Faculty Of Education
Department Of Secondary Education
The Islamiya University Of Bahawalpur
Content
Introduction
Parameters
When To Use Mixed Method Research
Steps Of Mixed Method Research
Types Of Mixed Method Research
Method Use in Mixed Method Research
Characteristics
Advantages
Limitations
 Introduction
 It is a type of research which combines ideas and approaches from quantitative and qualitative
research. (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie,& Turner 2007)
 Research in which the investigator collects and analysis data, integrates the findings and draws
inferences using both qualitative and quantitative approach or methods in a single study.
(Tashakkori and Creswell 2007 :4)
 Mixed methods research involves the use of design, data collection or data analysis within a single
program of study, with integration of the different approaches or method occurring during the
program of study, and not just at its concluding point.
(Johnston et al., 2007)
Parameters
There are four major feature that helps us understanding the decision and
characteristics of mixed method :
1. Purpose for mixing.
2. Sequencing of qualitative & quantative strands.
3. Priority of each method.
4. Level of interaction between each strand.
When to Use Mixed Method Research
 When validate findings using quantitative and qualitative data sources.
When develop survey instruments.
When use qualitative data to argument a quantitative outcomes study.
When one method can be used effectively substantiate the findings of another
method.
When involve community based stakeholders.
When the integration of quantitative and qualitative data can provide a better
understanding of the research problem then a standalone approach.
When a researcher wants to view a research questions from many perspective to
identify unexpected findings and potential contradictions.
Steps of Mixed Method Research
Step 1: Determine a mixed method study is feasible:
Determine the research problem of content in any topic.
Fit the problem to mixed methods through arguments.
Access to both qualitative and quantitative data.
Determine the background and resources.
Step 2: Identify a Rationale for a mixed method study:
To consider why you are collecting both quantitative and qualitative data.
To be explicit in this rationale.
To include it early in the research plan or report.
Step 3: Identify a data collection strategy:
Identify the priority given to you will give to quantitative and qualitative data.
Identify the sequence of your data collection, if you do not plan to collect the
data.
Identify the specific form of quantitative data and qualitative data you will collect.
Step 4: Develop Quantitative, Qualitative and Mixed Method Questions:
To identify questions prior to a study or during the study.
To create both exploratory questions and analytical variable questions.
The question will emerge depend on the type of design.
Step 5: Collect Quantitative and Qualitative Data:
The sequence of data collection will depend on the type of design.
In all design the presentation of data or information will be well-organized.
Step 6: Analyze data Separately or Concurrently:
Data analyze mainly related to the specific type of design being used.
Analyze data (qualitative and quantitative) separately, concurrently or both.
Step 7: Write a Report as one or two Phase Study :
The report is written into phases.
The report integrates the quantitative and qualitative phases or the study in each section.

TYPES OF MIXED METHOD RESEARCH

There are six types of mixed method research:
1. Exploratory design
2. Explanatory design
3. Convergent design
4. Embedded design
5. Triangulation design
6. Transformative design
Exploratory Design
The collection and analysis of qualitative data follow by the collection and analysis of quantitative
data and have equal priority is given to the two phases but priority can be given to either and its
data integrated during interpretation.

An exploratory design typically encompasses of two phases.

Phase 1: A researcher uses on or more qualitative method to get a general sense of characteristics
phenomena, and issue related to the topic of study.
Phase 2: Qualitative observation in the real world help a researcher to develop hypothesis,
appropriate questions from a larger sample.
Explanatory Design
The collection and analysis of quantitative data follow by the collection and analysis of qualitative
data and have equal priority is given to the two phases and its data also integrated during
interpretation.

An explanatory design is usually are two phase process but in this case the quantitative phase come
first.
Phase 1: It involve collecting considerable quantitative data, perhaps in an experiment, ex-post facto
study or survey.
Phase 2: Follow up for instance, asking a sub-sample of phase 1.
Convergent Design
In a convergent design, a researcher collects both quantitative and qualitative
data in parallel usually at the same time and respect to the same general
research problem.
Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time and analyzed
separately. After both analysis are complete, compare your result to draw overall
conclusion.
Embedded Design
An embedded design is similar to a convergent design, in both quantitative and
qualitative data are collected within the same general time frame.
Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time, but within a
larger quantitative or qualitative design. One type of data is secondary to the
other.
Triangulation Design
Triangulation refer to the use of multiple methods or data sources in qualitative
research to develop a comprehensive understanding of phenomena.
(Patton, 1999)
Triangulation are two concurrent data collection phases and priority should be
equal but can be given to either approach and its data integrated during
interpretation phase. Data integrated during interpretation phase. Data
integration can also occur during analysis.
Transformative Design
Transformative design is a research methodology that emphasizes
creativity, collaboration and change.
Transformative are two distinct data collection phases and either type
can be collected first and priority can be given to either of both data
types and its data also integrated during interpretation.
Method used in Mixed Method Research
Data collection methods are:
1. Survey, quizzes, questionnaires (Both open and closed).
2. Interview
3. Focus group
4. Direct observation
5. Documents and Records
6. Performance test and observation
Characteristics
Priority carry equal weight in two different cases:
1. QUAN carry more weight then qual.
2. QUAL carry more weight then quan.
Collection of both data is in two sequence:
1. Collect quantitative data first, followed by qualitative data.
2. Collect qualitative data first, followed by quantitative data.
Data is integrated (by merging, connecting, embedding)
Collecting both qualitative and quantitative data in numerical and text data form.
Different procedures can be used that implement qualitative and quantitative
components.
Advantages
Mixed method research can be used to increase generalizing of the result
contradiction between both type of data can be easily found.
Provide methodological flexibility.
Collect rich and comprehensive data in this process.
Provided the strength of both qualitative and quantitative research.
Strong evidence can be provided for a conclusion through convergence and
validation of findings.
It can be produce more complete knowledge necessary to inform theory and
practice.
Limitation (Disadvantages)
Results of mixed method research can be difficult to interpret, if you get different
results from the two data types.
Mixed method studies are challenging to implement.
It is labor-intensive and time consuming.
It requires a multidisciplinary team of researcher.
It require knowledge of multiple methods and approaches.
It increase the complexity in data collection timing, sequence and evaluation.
BOOK REFERENCE
1. Research Methods in Education 8th Edition
(LOUIS COHEN
LAWRENCE MANION
KEITH MORRISON)

2. Research Methods Design, And Analysis 11th Edition

(LARRRY B.CHRISTENSEN
R.BURKE JOHNSON
LISA A.TURNER)