What is Mixed Methods Research?

Summary

John Creswell from the University of Nebraska Lincoln introduces mixed methods research, a field he's contributed to for 25 years. Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social and health science issues. Creswell discusses the importance of rigorous data collection and analysis, and the integration of both data types. He outlines various designs for mixed methods research, including convergent, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential designs, emphasizing the approach's growing relevance in the scientific community.

Takeaways

• 🎓 John Creswell is a leading expert in mixed methods research, with 25 years of experience and a co-founder of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research.
• 🌟 Mixed methods research is an approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of research problems.
• 📊 It draws insights from various fields, including social sciences, education, and health sciences, and is exemplified in documentaries like Al Gore's 'An Inconvenient Truth'.
• 🏀 The script uses the example of basketball player Shane Battier to illustrate how qualitative data can enhance the understanding of quantitative statistics.
• 🌪 It also references real-world events like Hurricane Sandy to show how stories and statistics are often presented together in the media.
• 🔍 Mixed methods research involves collecting and analyzing both types of data using rigorous methods, suggesting a more scientific and complete approach to research.
• 📚 Creswell emphasizes that mixed methods research is not just about using the term 'mixed methods' without following rigorous procedures.
• 🔄 It is more than just having both types of data; it requires integrating them in a meaningful way to augment the understanding of the research problem.
• 📊 The script outlines different designs for mixed methods research, such as convergent, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential designs, each with its unique approach to data collection and analysis.
• 🏛 Advanced mixed methods designs can incorporate elements like experiments, social science theories, or community-based participatory research to enrich the study.
• 🌐 Creswell invites further exploration into mixed methods research, indicating its growing importance and application in various research fields.

Q & A

What is mixed methods research?

Mixed methods research is an approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative data in a single study or series of studies. It aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of research problems by using both statistical trends and the stories of people's lives.

How long has John Creswell been working in the field of mixed methods research?

John Creswell has been working in the field of mixed methods research for almost 25 years.

What is one example John Creswell gives to illustrate mixed methods research?

John Creswell uses Al Gore's documentary 'An Inconvenient Truth' as an example, where Al Gore combines personal stories with statistical trends to discuss global warming.

What is the importance of mixed methods research in the social and health sciences?

Mixed methods research is important in the social and health sciences because it allows researchers to combine the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative approaches, leading to a more complete understanding of complex issues.

What are the four key features of mixed methods research that John Creswell discusses?

The four key features of mixed methods research discussed by John Creswell are: 1) Collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, 2) Using rigorous approaches in data collection and analysis, 3) Integrating the two forms of data, and 4) Often framing these designs within a larger perspective such as an experiment, theory, or community participatory research approach.

What does John Creswell mean when he says mixed methods research is not just using the name without a rigorous procedure?

John Creswell means that simply labeling a study as 'mixed methods' does not make it so. It requires a rigorous and systematic approach to both the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.

How does John Creswell differentiate between quantitative and qualitative data collection?

Quantitative data collection is usually predetermined by the researcher, based on instruments, and involves statistical analysis. Qualitative data collection, on the other hand, involves open-ended questions, interviews, observations, and document analysis, and is more interpretive and context-dependent.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research as described by John Creswell?

The advantages of quantitative research include its efficiency in studying large numbers of people, its ability to examine relationships and causality, and its control over bias. The disadvantages include its impersonal nature and lack of detailed participant voices.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research as described by John Creswell?

The advantages of qualitative research include its ability to provide detailed voices of participants, understand experiences in context, and build perspectives from the participants' viewpoints. The disadvantages include reliance on small samples and being highly interpretive, which can introduce researcher bias.

Can you explain the convergent design in mixed methods research?

The convergent design in mixed methods research involves collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data separately and then merging the data to compare and contrast the results, looking for convergence or corroboration between the two datasets.

What is the explanatory sequential design in mixed methods research?

The explanatory sequential design begins with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by a qualitative phase that aims to interpret and provide deeper understanding of the initial quantitative findings.