Mixed methods research provides a new way for some researchers to tackle a complicated research
problem. The key purpose is to investigate the problem by using the advantages of both quantitative and
qualitative methods to enrich the approach. However, at the same time, it requires knowledge of both
methods of data collection and analysis and a good reason for the choices made. For this week�s Key
Concept Exercise, you will consider whether a mixed method would fit (or not) your research topic-
problem and the anticipated barriers to data integration.
Mixed Methods of Research Design
Mixed methods in the background of the research design have been defined as the
methodology that entails theoretical assumptions which instruct the direction of gathering and
analyzing data and the mixture of quantitative and qualitative information in a single research or
series of research, (Creswell, 2014). Using both the quantitative and qualitative methods offers a
unique comprehension of the research question (To identify and explore the human resource
strategies that influence employee engagement within organizations in Qatar and to develop
recommendations on how these human resource policies can be changed to improve employee
engagement)
Reasons for the adoption of the mixed methods
Mixed Methods of Research Design3
There exist various reasons as to why the mixed methods have been regarded to be of the
greatest significance. Some of the reasons are; expansion, initiation, development,
complementarily, and triangulation.
Initiation
Bazeley and Kemp (2012) suggest that the results from one of the two methods may
come up with a new set of issues which requires being further explained. It means that it initiates
another study with various sources of data.
Expansion
The research of the survey tends to develop one research by using results or finding from
the other, (Fetters, Curry, and Creswell, 2013). That is the researcher may use qualitative
findings to comprehensively conclude on the study done by use of quantitative methods and vice
versa.
Complementarily
The researcher does complement the conclusions from a given source by using various
sources of data, (Bazeley, and Kemp, 2012)
Triangulations
Using multiple sources of data to search for the validation of every finding of either
qualitative or quantitative methodologies, (Fielding, 2012)
Barrier of the mixed methods
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Various restrictions are expected when integrating the two approaches. Some of the
obstacles are discussed as follows;
The publication issues
It is suggested that the problem of writing might block integration. That is the propensity
of some of the secondary sources to stress on either the qualitative or quantitative study might
slow down integration since they have the tendency to require either of the qualitative or
quantitative proof to be highlighted, (Venkatesh, Brown, and Bala, 2013)
Strength and weakness
Mixed methods of research designs have both weaknesses and strengths, (Creswell,
2013). Both will be discussed in general as follows
Strengths
- It offers a broader perspective. That is, when using a single methodology, the researcher
can only be able to establish the cause and effect of a particular problem. However, when
integrating the two together, it becomes possible to look into the study broadly. - More data brings the expansion of the study in a manner that a single methodology
cannot. By using the mixed methods, the researcher is assured of overall findings.
Weaknesses - Researchers are different and when it comes to choosing the methodologies; they become bias.
That is they tend to give more weight on a given method over the other method, (Sarantakos,
2012)
Mixed Methods of Research Design5
2.There exist the problem of exploration and analysis.
Potential limitation
The potential barrier of a mixed method of research design is ethical challenges. Since
the study only takes at least nine months and the researchers are required to use both approaches,
he or she may not pay key attention to the ethical issues that relate to the study, (Ritchie, Lewis,
Nicholls, and Ormston, 2013). For example, the researcher can omit the issue of confidentiality.
He or she may disclose a source from the qualitative study without his/her knowledge or at times
may not consider that issue of requesting permission before commencing on an interview or
taking pictures. It becomes an ethical problem to the researcher.
Bibliography
Bazeley, P. and Kemp, L., 2012. Mosaics, triangles, and DNA metaphors for integrated analysis
in mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 6(1), pp.55-72.
Creswell, J.W., 2013. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches. Sage publications.
Creswell, J.W., 2014. A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Sage Publications.
Fetters, M.D., Curry, L.A. and Creswell, J.W., 2013. Achieving integration in mixed methods
designs—principles and practices. Health services research, 48(6pt2), pp.2134-2156.
Mixed Methods of Research Design6
Fielding, N.G., 2012. Triangulation and mixed methods designs data integration with new
research technologies. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 6(2), pp.124-136.
Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C.M. and Ormston, R. eds., 2013. Qualitative research practice:
A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage.
Sarantakos, S., 2012. Social research. Palgrave Macmillan.
Venkatesh, V., Brown, S.A. and Bala, H., 2013. Bridging the qualitative-quantitative divide:
Guidelines for conducting mixed methods research in information systems. MIS
quarterly, 37(1), pp.21-54.
