A Mixed Method Design

This article is devoted to a mixed method research design. In the article special attention is paid to quantitative and qualitative approach for the design of a research as essential components of a mixed research paradigm. There are main research paradigms in education and science. They are: quantitative research, qualitative research and mixed research.

A mixed research design is a general type of research that includes quantitative and qualitative research data, techniques and methods. All these paradigm characteristics are mixed in one case study. This method design involves research that uses mixed data (numbers and text) and additional means (statistics and text analysis). A mixed method uses both deductive and inductive scientific method, has multiple forms of data collecting and produces eclectic and pragmatic reports.

 Two main types of a mixed method are: mixed method and mixed model research. A mixed research method is a research in which you use quantitative data for one stage of a research study and qualitative data for a second stage of a research. A mixed model design is a research in which you use both quantitative and qualitative data in one or two stages of the research process. The mixing of quantitative and qualitative approaches happens in every stage of a research.

In a research it is important to use a mixed research method for the conducting of a detailed research. The advantages of a mixed research are:

1)      The strength of the research;

2)      Use of multiple methods in a research helps to research a process or a problem from all sides;

3)      Usage of different approaches helps to focus on a single process and confirms the data accuracy. A mixed research complements a result from one type of research with another one. This research does not miss any available data.

A quantitative component of a mixed research assumes the usage of deductive scientific method while qualitative component assumes inductive scientific method. Moreover, a quantitative approach collects quantitative data based on exact measurement applying structured as well as validated information collection. For instance, rating scales, closed-ended items and responses. This approach produces statistical report with correlations.

A qualitative component uses qualitative information. For instance, interview, field notes, open-ended questions etc. This approach considers a researcher to be the major means of information collection. At the end of a research this approach supposes a narrative report with context description, quotations taken from research material.

It is important to stress that there are many ways of research performing. Quantitative and qualitative methods have their advantages and disadvantages in a research. However, you may summarize the advantages of both methods and have accurate information on implementation, findings and conclusions of your research project. Qualitative and quantitative research methods have different strengths, weaknesses and requirements that affect researcher’s project accuracy. The aim of a mixed method design is to summarize positive aspects of two approaches and produce a highly accurate data.

When you use several methods in your research process, then you can use the strength of every type of information collection and minimize the weak points of every of both approaches. A mixed method approach of gathering and evaluation can increase the validity and accuracy of the information. The article briefly analyzes a mixed method research design including the major components: quantitative and qualitative approach for the design of a research. The article proves the effectiveness of a mixed method design.