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How to conduct a mix-method research successfully? Is there any guaranteed right way to do it?

Qualitative Method Quantitative methods

Hi everyone, Let me explain my question to make it clearer for you to understand. Actually, I am conducting research in which I’m using the mix-method approach. However, I am a bit nervous because when it comes to this process, the research becomes a bit trickier including both quantitative and qualitative approaches together. Also, critically analysing the found data and deriving results as per the research hypothesis becomes difficult to convey.

So, can anybody help me out in understanding this research better so that I can apply it well. Is there any special technique which can provide guaranteed success or any limitation that I need to avoid?

I will be really thankful to you.

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Md. Shehzaad Answered 3 years ago

Hi Justin, first of all I would like to say that the research method you choose is based on the research questions and hypothesis on which your research is based and not the other way round. Choosing an approach should not be based on how trendy the approach is as I really believe that it requires an in-depth understanding of your research and research questions to qualify an approach for it. The choice should be made rationally. However, if you know your research needs a mixed method approach, then consult these following study materials, I hope they can help: “A typology of mixed methods research designs” by Leech & Onwuegbuzie (2009) and Mixed methods research by Hibberts & Johnson (2012).

Replied 3 years ago

By Justin

Hi Md. Shehzaad, Thank you for your suggestions and sharing these sources.

By Rupert Answered 3 years ago

Hello Justin, I am a professor myself and come across a lot of dissertations prepared by masters’ and doctoral students. A lot of them use a mixed method approach, in fact it is quite common. There are several ways in which it can be manifested: Preparing a questionnaire with both open and closed ending questions Applying two separate methods for data collection, having different sample sizes but taken from the same population. These mostly include a mainly-closed ended approach of questions for both interviews and questionnaires. (This is also a commonly used method among students as they can use it for backup in case the findings from the quantitative approach is not enough for the inferential analysis.) Using a different strategy like case studies or doing action research. It consists of both quantitative data and qualitative data.

Replied 3 years ago

By Md. Shehzaad

Exactly, I agree to Mr. Rupert. However, in addition to this I would like to suggest you(Justin) to search regarding the “research onion” model that shows the layers, each of which suggests a methodological choice. The current version of it can get tricky but you can always search for the traditional models.

Replied 3 years ago

By Justin

Hi Rupert, thanks a lot for your answer and all these pointers. It will really come in handy. Thank you Md. Shehzaad once again. I will make sure to go through the model.

Replied 3 years ago

By Rupert

Thanks, Md. Shehzaad. Also Justin, I’d like to advise you to focus on the data you manage to obtain and accordingly work on your research. Whether it is quantitative, qualitative or mixed, work according to the data that is greater in quantity. In terms of accuracy, I know that it is not easy to compare qualitative and quantitative data. However, you can look for some recommendations to select the sample size of data in questionnaires and interviews. The different kinds of data can help you to triangulate the collected data and do discussion for its cross-validification. I hope this helps you too. Good Luck for your research.

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