Combined Methods Research
Combined-methods research is research where researchers use some characteristics of qualitative and quantitative study approaches. Thus, it is to a significant extent that diverse methods study combines the characteristics of both quantitative design and qualitative approach to enable the development of findings that may be used to implement positive social change (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Combining some qualitative and quantitative study characteristics may be beneficial, as the researcher gains depth and breadth in terms of data of the phenomenon he or she is evaluating, leading to high-quality findings.
Mixed Methods Approach study’s Questions
Some research questions are best suited to be responded to using mixed-methods research. Among the study’s questions that can be best served by the mixed-methods approach necessitate that qualitative and quantitative data be collected. Research questions may necessitate that qualitative and quantitative research data be collected because in-depth and quantifiable data is required to develop sound findings (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Thus, research questions that require quantifiable and in-depth data can be best responded to by a mixed-methods design.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A mixed-methods approach has several strengths, which improve its effectiveness. The first benefit of a mixed-methods study is that it provides high-quality findings because it utilizes the best aspect of the qualitative and quantitative study approach. Mixed methods study benefits from convergence by using qualitative design strengths to offset the weaknesses of the quantitative approach (Collins & O’Cathain, 2009). Although the mixed-methods study has a couple of advantages, it has weaknesses, including difficulty in transforming data to away that both qualitative and quantitative research can be integrated. Converting the data in a manner that will accommodate qualitative and quantitative design may be difficult, consuming a lot of time. The primary motivation for a researcher to utilize a mixed-methods study is that high-quality findings are attained as the qualitative research approach’s strengths offset the weaknesses in quantitative research design.
References
Collins, K. M., & O’Cathain, A. (2009). Introduction: Ten points about mixed methods research to be considered by the novice researcher. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, 3(1), 2–7.
Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14–26.