What are the benefits and challenges of mixed methods research in innovation?

1 What is MMR?

MMR is a research approach that uses both qualitative and quantitative data to answer research questions. Qualitative data are non-numerical and descriptive, such as interviews, observations, or documents. Quantitative data are numerical and measurable, such as surveys, experiments, or statistics. MMR can integrate these two types of data in different ways, depending on the purpose and logic of the study. For example, MMR can use qualitative data to explore a phenomenon, and then use quantitative data to test a hypothesis. Or, MMR can use quantitative data to identify a pattern, and then use qualitative data to explain it.

2 Why use MMR in innovation research?

Innovation research is the study of how new ideas, products, or processes are generated, developed, and implemented in various contexts. Multi-method research (MMR) can be advantageous for innovation research due to the complexity and dynamism of innovation. MMR can help capture the diversity and richness of innovation processes and experiences, address different aspects and dimensions such as creativity or adoption, enhance the validity and reliability of findings by triangulating different sources of data, and generate new insights by combining different perspectives and paradigms.

3 What are the challenges of MMR in innovation research?

Innovation researchers need to be aware of the challenges and limitations posed by MMR in their research. Defining and clarifying the research questions and objectives is a key part of this process, as is balancing and managing the resources, time, and skills required to collect, analyze, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data. It is also important to consider potential conflicts, contradictions, or gaps between different types of data and methods when using MMR. Finally, communicating and reporting the MMR findings in a clear, coherent, and credible way is essential.

4 How to design a successful MMR study in innovation research?

In order to maximize the benefits of MMR in innovation research, innovation researchers should adhere to some best practices and principles when designing and conducting a MMR study. This includes recognizing the rationale and purpose of using MMR in relation to the research problem and context, selecting the appropriate MMR design and strategy that aligns with the research questions and objectives, planning and implementing data collection and analysis procedures for qualitative and quantitative data, integrating and interpreting qualitative and quantitative findings in a meaningful and consistent way, as well as reporting and disseminating the MMR results in a transparent and comprehensive manner.

5 What are some examples of MMR in innovation research?

MMR has been applied in various fields of innovation research, such as education, health, business, and social innovation. For example, Lam (2011) used interviews, surveys, and bibliometric analysis to explore the factors and outcomes of academic entrepreneurship in different disciplines and countries. Huang et al. (2019) conducted focus groups, questionnaires, and experiments to examine the effects of different types of feedback on creativity and innovation in online learning environments. Additionally, Foster et al. (2019) implemented case studies, surveys, and network analysis to investigate the role and impact of social innovation networks in rural development.