Overview of research designs

Mixed methods
 Recap
• Quantitative research:
– “is an approach for testing objective theories by examining
the relationship among variables. These variables, in turn,
can be measured, typically on instruments, so that
numbered data can be analyzed using statistical
procedures” (Creswell, 2014, p. 4).

– “Quantitative research methods attempt to maximize

objectivity, replicability, and generalizibility of findings, and
are typically interested in prediction” (Harwell, 2011, p.
149).

Philosophical underpinning: Positivism/post-positivism

 Recap Contd.
• Qualitative research:

– “is an approach for exploring and understanding the meaning

individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. The
process of research involves emerging questions and
procedures, data typically collected in the participant’s setting,
data analysis inductively building from particulars to general
themes, and the researcher making interpretations of the
meaning of the data” (Creswell, 2014, p. 4).

– “Qualitative research methods focus on discovering and

understanding the experiences, perspectives, and thoughts of
participants—that is, qualitative research explores meaning,
purpose, or reality” (Hiatt, 1986, cited in Harwell, 2011, p. 148 ).

Philosophical underpinning: constructivism/interpretivism

 Mixed methods
• MMR is an approach to inquiry - involves the collection of
both quantitative and qualitative data, - integration of the two
forms of data by using distinct designs that involve
philosophical assumptions or theoretical frameworks in a
single study or in a longitudinal programme of study
(Creswell, 2014, p. 4).

• Mixed methods research is the type of research in which a

researcher or team of researchers combines elements of
qualitative and quantitative approaches (e.g., use of
qualitative and quantitative viewpoints, data collection,
analysis, inference techniques) for the purpose of breadth and
depth of understanding and corroboration (Johnson et al.
2007).

Philosophical underpinning: Pragmatism

 Contd.
• The core assumption - combination
of QUAL and QUAN approaches
provide a more complete
understanding of an issue that is (or
people that are) being researched.
 Implications of the definitions
Mixed methods designs involves (Creswell, 2014, p. 66-68)
• Collecting both quantitative and qualitative data
• Mixing the data during analysis and interpretation
• Single vs multiple-phase project
Questions to consider when doing MMR (Cresswell, 2003, P.
211)
What is the implementation sequence of data collection?
What method takes priority during data collection and
analysis?
What does the integration stage of findings involve?
Will a theoretical perspective be used?

Raises issues: how, what, where, why, value (of mixing?)

 Key terminology
• Qualitative (QUAL) component and
Quantitative (QUAN) component are often
referred to as strands
 Examples of research questions that
may call for MMR
• Exploring the meaning of a construct or
phenomenon from more than one perspective
• Explanation of anomalous findings or getting
behind the mechanism of action of an effect
• Theory development followed by testing/
extension
• Measure development using grounded concepts
• Augmenting evaluation studies with better
understanding of intervention implementation
 Mixed Methods Designs (Creswell, 2014)
• Based on procedural plan: can be fixed or emergent
• Based on timing: can be concurrent or sequential or
multiphase combination

Accordingly, below is an indication of the common:

a) The Convergent Parallel Design

b) The Explanatory Sequential Design
c) The Exploratory Sequential Design
d) The Embedded Design
e)The Transformative Design
f) The multiphase design
Characterized by: Two or more methods used to confirm, cross-
validate, or corroborate findings within a study. Data collection is
concurrent.

Purpose: Generally, both methods are used to overcome a

weakness in using one method with the strengths of another.
Characterized by: Collection and analysis of quantitative data
followed by a collection and analysis of qualitative data.

Purpose: To use qualitative results to assist in explaining and

interpreting the findings of a quantitative study.
Characterized by: An initial phase of qualitative data collection
and analysis followed by a phase of quantitative data collection
and analysis.

Purpose: To explore a phenomenon. This strategy may also be

useful when developing and testing a new instrument.
Characterized by: A nested approach that gives priority to one of
the methods and guides the project while the other one is
embedded.

Purpose: The purpose of the nested method is to address a

different question than the dominant or to seek information
from different levels.
Characterized by: The use of a theoretical perspective reflected
in the purpose or research questions of the study to guide all
methodological choices.

Purpose: To evaluate a theoretical perspective at different levels

of analysis.

Think of underrepresented or marginalized groups and use of theoretical perspectives e.g.

empowerment, livelihoods improvement approach/framework)
Characterized by: An iteration of connected quantitative and
qualitative studies that are sequentially aligned, with each new
approach building on what was learned previously to address a
central program objective.

Purpose: To address a set of incremental research questions that

all advance one programmatic research objective

• E.g. at needs assessment, program development, program evaluation

 Suggested readings/resources
• Choosing a mixed methods design (Chapter 3)
[a resource posted on Moodle]. A must read for
those interested in employing mixed methods in their studies
• Creswell’s books on mixed methods research
(these were already shared. See your resources folder – the
link is on Moodle)
• Journal of mixed methods research
(https://journals.sagepub.com/home/mmr) [look for the open
access articles]
• YouTube Videos on mixed methods research