Dr. Kanagaraj EaswaranAssociate Professor

Department of Social WorkMizoram University

Aizawl - 796004

Aspect Quantitative QualitativeData Numbers WordsPoint of View Researcher ParticipantsRelationship: Researcher andResearched

Distance Close

Role of Theory Testing EmergingDesign Static Process-

Emergent

Aspect Quantitative Qualitative

Questions Structure Unstructured

Outcome Generalisation Contextual

Understanding

Nature of Data Hard,

Reliable Data

Rich, deep data

Level Macro Micro

Focus of Research Behaviour Meaning

Setting Artificial Natural

Hardy and Bryman (2004)

Data Reduction:

Answering research questions:

Concerned with relating Results to

literature:

Concerned with variation:

Frequency as a springboard for analysis

Hardy and Bryman (2004)

Deliberate distortion not to occur: Importance of Transparency:Address the question of error:Research methods appropriate to research questions:

Employing Combination of quantitative and

qualitative methods

Perceived legitimacy of both methods

Multi method, convergence, integrated, and

combined

Data derived from mixed methods - mutually

illuminating not use of them in tandem

Campbell and Fisk(1959) used multi methods - validity of psychological traits

Encouraged others to employ multi methodStarted mix methods: qualitative data (field

methods viz., observation, interview combined with quantitative data(traditional surveys)(Sieber 1973)

Recognition: All methods have limitations – biases inherent in single method could neutralise or cancel the biases of other methods.

Triangulating data sources – a means for seeking convergence across qual quan methods (Jick 1979).

By early 1990s movement from convergence to integrating and connecting(Takhakkori and Teddlie 1998).

Research methodology evolves and

develops continuously

Step forward utilizing strengths of both

Inadequacy of application of quantitative

or qualitative methods alone to complexity

of social or human phenomena

Interdisciplinary nature of research –

research teams with diverse

methodological orientations

Expanded understanding greater insight

from combination

Embedded Method Argument : Research methods rooted in epistemological and ontological

commitments Methods not mere data gathering procedures but commitment Mixed methods not feasible or even desirable. Ignores underlying assumptions and transforms of qualitative

inquiry into a procedural variation of quantitative inquiry(Smith and Heshusius(1986).

Research Methods do not carry with them fixed epistemological and ontological implications – capable of used in a variety of ways.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Paradigms:

◦Two incompatible world views –

incommensurable

◦Integration superficial level and within

a single paradigm

Contentions about interconnections between methods and paradigms cannot be demonstrated.◦No means clear that quantitative and

qualitative approaches are paradigms. ◦There are overlaps and commonality

between them

Epistemological Version: Incompatible Mixed Methods is not possible

Technical Version: Strengths of both and capable of mixing Distinctive epistemological ontological assumptions

recognised Connection between assumptions and methods not viewed

as fixed and ineluctable. Methods are autonomous and hence compatible,

feasible and desirable

Alan Bryman (2006) Purposes or ways

1. Triangulation or Grater Validity: Mutual corroboration

2. Offset: Research methods have own strengths and

weaknesses – combining offsets – draw strengths of both.

3. Completeness: more comprehensive account

4. Process: Quan: Structure – Qual : Process Dynamics

5. Different Research Questions : Different methods

6. Explanation: one methods results are interpreted with the help of the other

7. Unexpected Results: Surprising results of one are explained by the other

8. Instrument Development: Development of Questionnaire or Scale – identify close ended answers.

9. Sampling: one approach is used to facilitate sampling of respondents or cases.

10. Credibility: both together enhance integrity of findings

11. Context: qualitative research providing contextual understanding coupled with externally valid findings of survey

12. Illustration: qualitative data to illustrate the findings of quantitative research: putting meat on the bones of dry quantitative findings.

13. Utility or Improving the Usefulness of Findings: combination is more useful to practitioners

14. Confirm or Discover: qualitative data to generate hypotheses and quantitative to test that

15. Diversity of Views: Combining researcher’s and participants views – uncovering relationships and revealing meanings among participants.

16. Enhancement or Building upon Quantitative/Qualitative Findings: Making more of or augmenting either quantitative or qualitative findings by gathering data

Aspect Quantitative Mixed Qualitative Methods/Design

Predetermined

Both Emerging

Questions Closed Both Open endedType of Data Performance,

Attitude , Observational

Multiple forms

from all possibiliti

es

Interview Observation Documents, Audio Visual

Analysis Statistical Both Text and Image

Interpretation

Statistical Across databases interpretation

Themes, Patterns Interpretation

Timing Weighting Mixing TheorizingConcurrentNo Sequence Equal Integrating ExplicitSequential :Qualitative First Qualitative Connecting

ImplicitSequential: Quantitative First

Quantitative Embedding

Quan Qual data are merged on one end of the continuum, kept separate on the other end Combined some way between these two extremes Connecting:

Quan Qual methods are connected: First phase data collection, analysis second phase data collection. Integrating

Data collected concurrently - the two data bases are merged Embedding:

One form of data main source – other supportive

Whether a larger, theoretical perspective guides the entire design.

Social Science theory or broad theoretical lens(gender, race, class etc.)

Explicitly mentioned or implicitly not mentioned

Explicit lens shapes questions and guides research process and drawing implications

Creswell et al.

1. Sequential Designs: One after another

2.Concurrent Designs: Together Simultaneously

1. Sequential Explanatory Design

2. Sequential Exploratory Design

3. Sequential Transformative Design

1. Qual – quan

2. Quan - qual

1. Concurrent Triangulation Design1. Data Results are compared2. Equal Weight to both

2. Concurrent Embedded Design1. One takes primary and another

supportive3. Concurrent Transformative Design

1. Emancipatory theory as lens2. QUAN + QUAL or 3. qual + QUAN

Questions Please

Thanks