Mixed Method Designs

The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability.

A mixed methodology is generally the process of collecting, examining, and combining both qualitative and quantitative information obtained in a single study or in multiple series of scientific research. The example of research on poor housing facilities in a community can involve the combination of the methods of research I human services field (Cozby et al., 1989). Summary of how scientifically sound research can help support the function of human

Creswell, J. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. (3rd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

As separate pieces of the research, all of the methods have their own advantages, however there are mainly disadvantages that make all of them either invalid or unreliable and nor representative. However if all these methods were combined into one – a mixed method research, all the qualities of the researches could have gone up, therefore it could have been even more useful to sociologists. Even though

There are two major approaches used in the nursing research which are qualitative and quantitative methods. However, we can use both plans to do the nursing research. If both methods used in the nursing research, it will be called the mixed approach. The qualitative analysis is the method where researchers use the process of inquiry and look answers how and why a phenomenon occurs in a situation. The examples of the qualitative approach are phenomenology, grounded theory ethnography, and qualitative

20. Is the type of design used appropriate? This type of design is appropriate because non-experimental research looks at prediction and causality and does not use manipulation of variables. The researcher studies what naturally occurs.

The researcher will look at different methods and decide which should use to gather the information required to answer the hypothesis questions. These methods may both include quantitative and qualitative approach such as interviews, questionnaires, conducting experiments or gathering data through statistic. After choosing appropriate methods, the researcher will investigate possible ethical implications, validity and reliability of the data collected.

Researchers are sometimes using Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies interchangeably, or all three of the methodologies including the mixed approach, Creswell (2009). However, the most distinctive differences between the two is the application used, or the design, using words for qualitative analysis, and

Quantitative and qualitative research styles will both be used to increase the validity of the study, Parahoo (2006) agrees with this and describes this method as triangulation, incorporating a positivist approach. De Poy and Gitlin (2011) and Bryman (2012) agree with this and express that using a mixed methods approach gives a further comprehensive knowledge of the research method and conjoining the two can complement each other. Furthermore, Larkin et al (2014) state that the intention of mixed methods research is to improve confidence in findings, increase understanding in healthcare and ensure all groups in society are listened to. Moreover, Gelling, L (2014) found that the use of both approaches makes a great

Research reviewers can vary in their approach and design to systematizing their review. For example, reviewers can decide to include studies with only certain design characteristics or those using a full range of designs (Brown, 2014). Furthermore, the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches can be distinguished by a systematic analysis of the research method (Boswell & Cannon, 2017).

The authors focused on justifying ‘mixed methods’ in its entirety and ignored justifying the use of each specific method used.

Quantitative research is considered to be the use of numbers. In the use of a quantitative study, the researcher test objective theories by examining the conjunction among variables. The variables used can be measured on instruments, so that numbered data can be used and analyzed (Creswell, 2008). Qualitative research is mainly used to explore and understand human or social problems. The process of qualitative studies includes questions and procedures; and the data is collected byway of participant’s settings. It allows the researcher to study an issue in great detail and depth, as well as not allowing data collection to be constrained by predetermined data. Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative methods and it involves philosophical assumptions. This form of study includes collecting and analyzing data from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. It is believed that mixed methods research is a great method for practicing researchers who would like to bridge the schism between quantitative and qualitative research (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2004a). Even though these methods are different, they all involve philosophical assumptions and distinct methods or procedures (Cresswell, 2009).

Quantitative and qualitative methods differ from one another as to their research design elements as listed below:

When both research designs are used together, more information can be gathered. Mixed methodology uses the numerical portion of the quantitative study design in combination with the descriptive aspect of the qualitative study. There are many similarities between these two designs, which make them compatible with each other.

Quantitative research design is an excellent way of finalizing results and proving or disproving a hypothesis. The structure has not changed for centuries, so is standard across many scientific fields and disciplines. After statistical analysis of the results, a comprehensive answer is reached, and the results can be legitimately discussed and published. Quantitative experiments