Chapter 19: Mixed Methods Research

Educational Research: Competencies for Analysis and Application, 9th edition.Gay, Mills, & Airasian

© 2009 Pearson Education, Inc.All rights reserved.1

Chapter 19: Mixed Methods Research

Objectives Define mixed methods research,

and describe how to identify a mixed methods study.

Distinguish among three types of mixed methods research designs.



Mixed Methods

Characteristics of mixed methods research1. Quantitative research methods are

characterized by a deductive approach and qualitative methods are characterized by an inductive approach.

2. Quantitative researchers are concerned with objective reality that is there to be discovered; qualitative researchers focus on interpreting their participants’ perspectives.



Mixed Methods

Characteristics of mixed methods research3. Quantitative researchers focus on

establishing cause-effect relations; qualitative researchers focus on describing and understanding relationships.

4. Quantitative researchers identify hypotheses to test; qualitative researchers work with a guiding hypothesis and allow a specific focus to emerge as a study progresses.



Mixed Methods

Characteristics of mixed methods research

5. Quantitative researchers select participants as randomly as possible; qualitative researchers purposefully select research participants based on their articulateness and experience in the research setting.



Mixed Methods

The nature of the research question should drive the method.

Quantitative and qualitative methods can be creatively combined to better answer a research question.

Conducting mixed methods studies requires knowledge and skills.

Mixed methods studies often take considerable time and resources to complete.



Mixed Methods

Quantitative and qualitative methods bring unique philosophical perspectives to a study.

Both quantitative and qualitative methods together can often better enhance understanding of particular phenomenon.

Some researchers are opposed to mixed methods studies.



Mixed Methods Designs

Three types of mixed methods research designs are common.

The QUAL-Quan model is also called the exploratory mixed methods design.

Qualitative data are collected first and are more heavily weighted than quantitative data.




QUAL-Quan example: A qualitative researcher, studying

school climate, finds that the sample of teachers included in his interviews often mention beliefs about their teaching ability. This researcher may decide to conduct a survey study of the participants’ teaching efficacy to enhance the validity of his findings.

In this case the interviews (qualitative data) are primary and the surveys (quantitative data) are secondary.




The QUAN-Qual model is also called the explanatory mixed methods design.

Quantitative data are collected first and are more heavily weighted than are qualitative data.




QUAN-qual example: A motivation researcher studies

procrastination. She administers a battery of procrastination instruments and then selects a sample of those who report procrastination often and also a sample of those who report little procrastination to interview for a deeper understanding.



Mixed Methods Designs QUAN-qual example:

In this case the procrastination instruments are collected first and are the primary data (quantitative data) and the interviews (qualitative data) are then conducted to elaborate on the nature of the data from the instruments.



Mixed Methods Designs The QUAN-QUAL model is also

known as the triangulation mixed methods design.

Quantitative and qualitative data are equally weighted and are collected concurrently throughout the same study.

In this design the strengths of each method offset the weaknesses of the other.

May be the most challenging for the researcher must consider and value both forms of data concurrently.



Mixed Methods Designs QUAN-QUAL example:

A school climate researcher conducts observations in a school while simultaneously administering a battery of climate inventories.

In this case the observations (qualitative data) and the climate inventories(quantitative data) are collected simultaneously and are weighted equally.




Summary Triangulation:

QUAN + QUAL=InterpretationExplanatory:

QUAN followed up by qualExploratory:

QUAL followed up by quan



Data analysis in mixed methods designs

Triangulation: Quantifying qualitative data Qualifying quantitative data Comparing results Consolidating data




Explanatory: Following up outliers or extreme

cases Explaining results Using a typology Examining multilevels




Exploratory: Locating an instrument Developing an instrument Forming categorical data Using extreme qualitative cases



Identifying mixed methods designs

There are several mechanisms to assist readers in identifying a mixed methods study.

There may be a hint in the title. e.g., mixed methods, triangular, integrated

Both methods are used in the study. The researcher describes types of mixed

methods applied. In the data collection section it describes the

nature of the data and it is clear narrative and numerical data were both collected.




The purpose statement indicates mixed methods were used.

Both qualitative and quantitative questions are stated in the study.

The researcher indicates preference to one of the data collection techniques.




The researcher indicates the sequence of data collection.

The data analyses strategies include both qualitative and quantitative procedures.

The writing includes a balance of both methods.



Evaluating a mixed methods study

There are several questions readers can ask themselves to evaluate a mixed methods study.

Does the study include a rationale for using a mixed methods research design?

Is the correct type of mixed methods research design used?

Does the study appropriately use both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods?




Is the priority given to quantitative and qualitative data collection and the sequence of their use reasonable, given the research question?

Was the study feasible given the amount of data to be collected and concomitant issues of resources, time, and expertise?




Does the study clearly identify qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques?

Does the study use appropriate data analysis techniques for the type of mixed methods design?

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Chapter 19: Mixed Methods Research