Quantitative typically explains the 'if' and qualitative explains the 'why' (Terrell 2012, p. 258). Therefore Mixed methods research has been described as the unifying research paradigm to join these two elements (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004, p. 15). Since it utilizes the strengths of quantitative and qualitative approaches while minimizing the limitations (Creswell, 2014, p. 218). Creswell (2014) explains that at a practical level mixed methods provides a complex and sophisticated approach and it is very appealing for researchers at the forefront of new research procedures (Creswell, 2014, p. 218). Similarly at a procedural level, it is a useful strategy to understand research problems by comparing different perspectives from qualitative and quantitative data as well as developing an understanding of experimental results by incorporating the perspectives of individuals (p. 218-219).
Key Strengths
Key Strengths
- Mixed methods research can provide an investigator with many design choices that use a variety of concurrent and sequential strategies (Terrell 2012, p. 255)
- By utilizing a mixed methods approach it is possible for researchers to uncover information that would have otherwise been discarded or unnoticed (Viadero 2005 p.1)
- This method can provide answers to questions that are difficult to answer by using a single method (Greene, Caracelli, & Graham, 1989; Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2003, 2010).
- Mixed methods offers the potential to understand education questions at a deeper level (Viadero 2005 p.2)
- Niglas (2004) determined that combining the use of qualitative and quantitative research is particularly low in education research
Research Most Suited for Mixed Methods - Mixed methods is suited for many area of research including nursing, psychology, education, sociology, library and information science, information systems, and political science (Terrell 2012, p. 259)
- Mixed methods research has a variety of applications for research in several different fields (Lopez-Fernandez & Molina-Azorin, 2011, p. 269-270)
- Compatible with many other forms of research and inquiry (Terrell 2012, p. 258)