Over View of Mixed Method Research Designs

Mohanasudnari SK and Padmaja A

Published on: 2019-10-29

Abstract

Mixed methods research design requires a driven mixing of methods in data collection, data analysis and data interpretation of the evidence. The phrase “mixed methods” means to an emergent research methodology that advances the systematic integration or “mixing,” of quantitative and qualitative data within a single investigation. Such integration permits a more complete and synergistic utilization of data than do separate quantitative and qualitative data collection & analysis. Deciding which type of mixed method design to use (E.g, sequential explanatory, sequential exploratory, concurrent triangulation/ parallel and nested/ embedded designs) is depends up study question and purpose of the study as well as strength and weakness of the each design. The advantage of mixed methods design is answering research questions that neither quantitative nor qualitative methods could answer alone and it can facilitate greater scholarly interaction and enrich the experiences of researchers as different insightful illuminate the issues being studied. At the same time the process of mixing methods within one study, however, can add to the complexity of conducting research. It often requires more resources such as time and personnel & additional research training, as multidisciplinary research teams need to  become conversant with alternative research paradigms and different approaches to selection of sample, collection of data, analysis of data and data synthesis or integration. By carefully selecting the mixed method design that best suits the study question, purpose of the study will facilitate deep and more meaningful information of the phenomena of interest.