Mixed methods research

research methods

1. Mixed Method Research Presented by: Najah M. Algolaip. Submitted to: Dr. Abdulhameed Attelisi.

2. Presentation Layout Definitions of Mixed Methods Research Basic Characteristic of Mixed Methods Research When do we conduct a Mixed Methods Study Reasons for using Mixed Methods Research Types of Mixed Methods Research Design Steps for conducting a Mixed Methods Research The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed Methods Research

3. Introduction Mixed methods research focuses on the meaningful integration of both quantitative and qualitative data that provides details which a single approach may not be able to provide on itself. Over the last two decades, the practice of collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data within one study has become relatively popular in the social sciences . Due to the complexity of problems that need to be addressed, the rise of interest in qualitative researches and the practical need to collect multiple forms of data the Mixed Methods Research gains its importance .

4. Definitions of Mixed Methods Research Mixed Methods Research is a procedure for collecting , analysing and ‘‘mixing’’ both qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study or a series of studies to understand the research problem more completely. – Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) Mixed Methods Research is a research design, with a methodology and methods of inquiry. This type of design incorporates techniques from qualitative and quantitative methods in order to answer the question of the research (the issue been investigated).

5. Basic Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research The procedures of collecting, analysing and mixing the data are based on three main characteristics according to Moris,1991: Timing: the sequence or order of the implementation of the qualitative and the quantitative data collection and analysis procedures in the study. ( either Sequentially or Concurrently). Weighting: the relative importance or priority given to each type of data (to consider the priority or the emphasis). Mixing: how the two methods (Quant. And qual.) integrate within the study. Deciding on how to mix the methods depends on the (purpose, design and strategies) that are used for data collecting and analysis.

6. When do we conduct a Mixed Methods Study When we have both quantitative and qualitative data. When one data resource may not be enough to explain the answer of the question. A second method is needed to enhance a primary method. When we want qualitative research to help in explaining the quantitative findings. Want to provide alternative perspectives in a study. When we want to generalize findings to a large population .

7. Reasons for using Mixed Methods Research To explain and interpret the data. To explore a phenomenon. To develop and test new instrument. To complement the strengths of a single design. To overcome the weaknesses of a single design. To address a question at different levels. To address a theoretical perspective at different levels.

8. Types of Mixed Methods Research Design The four mixed methods designs most frequently used are: Explanatory design Exploratory design Embedded design Triangulation design

9. Explanatory Design ( Quant and Qual) data are collected and analyzed in a sequence; first the quantitative, and then qualitative data .( Timing ) The weight is typically placed on the quantitative data . The mixing ; first, while developing the qualitative interview protocol and choosing participants for in-depth exploration of the quantitative results; and second, while integrating the results from both quantitative and qualitative phases at the interpretation and discussion stage of the study.

10. Exploratory Design The qualitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by the collection and analysis of the quantitative data. ( Timing ) The weight is typically given to the qualitative data . The mixing ; first, occurs while developing the quantitative survey items based on the qualitative data analysis and also while comparing the quantitative results with initial qualitative findings.

11. Embedded Design One form of data collection and analysis is embedded within the design associated with another type of data to answer a secondary research question. T he data can be collected and analyzed sequentially or concurrently.( Timing ) The weight is given to the predominant method that guides the project and within which another method is embedded. The mixing , occurs either at the data analysis stage (if the data is collected concurrently) or at the interpretation stage (if the two types of data are collected sequentially).

12. Triangulation Design Q uantitative and qualitative data are collected simultaneously. The weight can be given to either quantitative or qualitative data, or both. The mixing , occurs either at the data analysis stage( by quantifying qualitative data or qualifying quantitative data), or during the interpretation of the results from the two components of the study by comparing quantitative and qualitative results.

13. Steps for Conducting a Mixed Methods Research According to J ie and Xiaoqing’s Mixed Methods Study, there are eight basic research steps to which are used while conducting this method and can be illustrated as follow: Step 1. Determine if Mixed Methods Research is the best approach to address the research problem that you want to study. Step 2 . Select a specific Mixed Methods Design ( explanatory, exploratory, triangulation or embedded) . Step 3. Write a detailed Mixed Methods purpose statement for your study. Step 4. Write a specific research question to address (QUANT & QUAL) aspects of the your study.

14. Cont.…. Step 5. Choose the (QUANT & QUAL) data to collect. Step 6. Draw a visual diagram of the procedures in your study . Step 7 . Collect and analyze the (QUANT & QUAL) data for your study – this is the major part of the study . Step 8 . Write the final report reflecting the mixed methods design you used in the study.

15. The Advantages of Mixed Methods Research It collects rich and comprehensive data. It compares qualitative and quantitative data. It provides strengths that offset the weaknesses of both qualitative and quantitative research. It provides more complete and comprehensive understanding of the research problem. It helps to generalize qualitative data and also designing and validating an instrument.

16. The Disadvantages of Mixed Methods Research It is time –consuming to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. It is complex to plan and to conduct (difficult to carry out). The study may require more resources to collect both types of data. Investigators are often trained in only one form of inquiry.

17. Conclusion Understanding the procedures of collecting and analyzing the quantitative and qualitative data will enable us to reach an effective research design using Mixed Method Research. Using both quantitative and qualitative data gives the researchers an opportunity to obtain an overall picture of the learning style distributions of the students and the relationship between learning styles and learning strategies.

18. References Creswell , J. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGA. Heigham,J. & Croker,R.A. (2009) Qualitative research in Applied Linguistics: practical introduction. Palgeave Macmillian: UK. Tashakkori,A. & Teddlie,C. (1998) Mixed methodology: combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. SAGE Publications: New Delhi.