Mixed-Methods Designs

By Mareta PratiwiSUNY Buffalo State

Outline

Definition

Reasons

Types

DefinitionMixed-methods research is a design for collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research (or data) in a single study or series of studies to understand a research problem (Creswell and Clark, 2007).

Adoption of a research strategy involving more than one type of research

Why do Mixed-Methods?According to Johnson and Turner (2003)“Methods should be mixed in a way that has complementary strengths and non-overlapping weakness. It involves the recognition that all methods have their limitations as well as their strength.”

Leedy (2013) mentioned that “some research problem practically scream for both quantitative and qualitative data. These problems calls for mixed-methods research.

Why do Mixed-Methods?Based on Bryman (2006), Greene, Varacelli, and Graham (1989) several good reasons for using mixed-methods designs:1. Completeness2. Complementarity3. Hypothesis generation & testing4. Development of appropriate research tools

and strategies5. Resolution of puzzling findings6. Triangulation.

Common Mixed-Methods Designs

Cresswell (2014) suggested 5 mixed-methods designs :

Convergent Design

Embedded Design

Exploratory Design

Explanatory DesignMultiphase Iterative Design

1

2

3

4

5

Convergent Design The Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Collection is conducted in parallel (at the same time).

With purpose of solving the same research problem and lead to similar conclusion.

The researcher gives equal weight to the Qualitative and Quantitative Data.

Embedded Design Conducted at the same time and with on

purpose of solving the same research problem.

One general approach dominates (usually the quantitative)

The non-dominated approach serves supplementary role.

Exploratory Design Comprises two phases Qualitative method for the first phase

and the quantitative will be conducted after. The qualitative data taken from observation, interview, or both.

Qualitative provide the basis so that the the second phase will be more systematic.

Explanatory Design Comprises two phases The quantitative method is applied in

first phase The quantitative data collected from an

experiment, ex post facto study, or survey

This can help the researcher give more substance and meaning to the numbers.

Multiphase Iterative Design

Comprises three or more phases Moving back and forth among

quantitative and qualitative methods. Each of new body of data notifies the

conceptualization and application of subsequent phases.

References

Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. L. P. (2007). Designing and conducting mixed methods research.

Johnson, R. B., & Turner, L. A. (2003). Data collection strategies in mixed methods research. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social and behavioral research (pp. 297-319). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 11, 255-274.

Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2016). Practical research: Planning and design. New York, NY: Pearson Education.