Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative research and qualitative research in order to answer your research question.

Its an integration of both methods.

More used in social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research.

• How do interviews about job satisfaction at Company X (qualitative) help explain year-over-year sales performance and other KPIs (quantitative)?
• How do average hospital salary measurements over time (quantitative) help to explain nurse testimonials about job satisfaction (qualitative)?

Things to keep in mind 
-Your research approach (inductive vs deductive)
-Your research questions
-What kind of data is already available for you to use
-What kind of data you’re able to collect yourself.        

When to use Mixed Methods Research ?

If quantitative or qualitative data alone will not sufficiently answer your research question then its a right choice.

1. Large number of sample size.
2. Using qualitative data to illustrate quantitative findings can help analysis.
3. Triangulation.

Triangulation :

The process of the strengthens the validity of your conclusions by qualitative and quantitative data converge.

• Studying the impact of a new teaching method:Quantitative: Conduct a pre- and post-test of student achievement scores.Qualitative: Interview teachers and students about their experiences with the new method.
• Evaluating a new treatment for chronic pain:Quantitative: Track changes in pain levels measured by standardized scales.Qualitative: Conduct interviews with patients about their experiences with the treatment, including side effects and impact on daily life.

Methods :

Differs by:

• Aim of the research.
• The timing of the data collection.
• Importance given to each data type.

1 - Convergent parallel

Collect quantitative and qualitative data at the same time and analyze them separately.

Compare your results to draw overall conclusions after both analyses are completed.

Understanding Student Motivation:

Quantitative: Administer a survey to students measuring levels of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, grades, and participation in extracurricular activities.

Qualitative: Conduct individual interviews with students about their experiences with school, exploring their personal goals, challenges, and sources of motivation.

Integration: Compare survey results with interview themes to paint a holistic picture of student motivation, identifying potential correlations between quantitative and qualitative findings.        

2- Embedded

Collect and analyze both types of data at the same time, but within a larger quantitative or qualitative design.

One type of data is secondary to the other.

Good approach to take -----> limited time or resources.

Business 

Developing a new customer service channel:

Quantitative: Track customer satisfaction ratings and resolution times for different channels.

Qualitative: Embed brief qualitative surveys directly after interactions through the new channel to gather immediate customer feedback on their experience.

Evaluating the impact of a leadership training program:

Quantitative: Assess changes in employee performance metrics and turnover rates.

Qualitative: Embed focus groups with program participants to gain deeper insights into their learnings, application of skills, and perceived impact on their leadership style.        

3- Explanatory sequential

Quantitative data collection and analysis occurs first, followed by qualitative data collection and analysis.

Should be used this design if qualitative data is explaining and contextualizing quantitative findings

Examining the impact of a new gun control law:

Quantitative: Analyze crime statistics and gun violence data before and after the law's implementation.

Qualitative: Conduct interviews with law enforcement officials, community members, and gun owners to understand their perspectives on the law's effects, compliance levels, and unintended consequences. 
This helps explain the nuances behind the quantitative changes.        

4- Exploratory sequential

Qualitative data collection and analysis occurs first, followed by quantitative data collection and analysis.

Can be used this design to first explore initial questions and develop hypotheses.

You first interview cyclists to develop an initial understanding of problem areas, and draw preliminary conclusions. 
Then you analyze accident statistics to test whether cyclist perceptions line up with where accidents occur.        

Hrishikesh Rajput

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