Scholar
Mixed Methods
Leader: Dr. Ryan Rominger
Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods studies are unique in that they combine qualitative [QUAL] and quantitative [QUANT] research within a single study. The emphasis on qualitative or quantitative research methods, when each data set is collected, and the relationship between the sets of data all determine the type of mixed method one may utilize. While mixed methods may also combine various ontologies and epistemologies, often the study follows a pragmatic perspective, using the appropriate research tools to meet the study's needs. Often one goal found within a mixed method study is triangulation, or the understanding of a given phenomenon from different vantage points. The basic belief is that by using both QUANT and QUAL, a researcher may expand, deepen, or further explain the topic at hand. However, a cautionary note for researchers in a time crunch (such as doctoral students), a mixed methods study often takes longer to conduct, and one must have skills in both QUANT and QUAL research methods.
If you would like to engage others in meaningful dialogue regarding using mixed methods designs, please do visit the Mixed Methods Research forum!
Mixed Methods Research Resources
References
Creswell, J. W. (2014). A concise introduction to mixed methods research (sage mixed
methods research). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research
(3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 978-1412975179
DeCuir-Gunby, J., & Schutz, P. A. (2016). Developing a mixed methods proposal: A practical
guide for beginning researchers (mixed methods research series). Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage.
Ivankova, N. V. (2014). Implementing quality criteria in designing and conducting a sequential
QUAN – QUAL mixed methods study of student engagement with learning applied
research methods online. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 8(1), 25-51. DOI:
10.1177/1558689813487945
Mertens, D. M. (2014). A momentous development in mixed methods research. Journal of
Mixed Methods Research, 8(1), 3-5. DOI: 10.1177/1558689813518230
Plano Clark, V. L., & Creswell, J. W. (2007). The mixed methods reader. Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage. ISBN: 978-1412951456
Plano Clark, V. L., & Ivankova, N. V. (2015). Mixed methods research: A guide to the field (mixed
methods research series). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (1998). Mixed methodology: Combining qualitative and
quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Teddlie, C. B., & Tashakkori, A. M. (2008). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating
quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Examples of Studies Using Mixed Methods
Almpanis, T. (2016). Using a mixed methods research design in a study investigating the ‘heads
of e-learning’ perspective towards technology enhanced learning. The Electronic Journal
of e-Learning, 14(5), 301-311. Available online at www.ejel.org
Blizzard, A. M., Weiss, C. L., Wideman, R., & Stephan, S. H. (2016). Caregiver perspectives during
the post inpatient hospital transition: A mixed methods approach. Child Youth Care
Forum, 45, 759-780. DOI 10.1007/s10566-016-9358-x
Cegielski, C. G. (2016). Knowledge, skills, and abilities for entry-level business analytics
positions: A multi-method study. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education,
14(1), 91-118.
Gutterman, T. C., & Mitchell, N. (2016). The role of leadership and culture in creating
meaningful awareness: A mixed method case study. Innovations in Higher Education, 41,
43-57. DOI 10.1007/s10755-015-9330-y
Lenz, A. S., & Lancaster, C. (2015). A mixed-methods evaluation of intensive trauma-focused
programming. Journal of Counseling & Development, 95, 24-34. DOI:
10.1002/jcad.12114
Özden, M. (2015). Prospective elementary school teacher’s views about socioscientific issues: A
concurrent parallel design study. International Electronic Journal of Elementary
Education, 7(3), 333-354.
Sagkal, A. S., Turnuklu, A., & Totan, T. (2016). Peace education’s effects on aggression: A mixed
method study. Eurasian Journal of Education Research, 64, 45-68.
Sterrett, E. M., Kincaid, C., Ness, E., Gonzales, M., McKee, L. G., & Jones, D. J. (2015). Youth
functioning in the coparenting context: A mixed methods study of African American
single mother families. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24, 455-469. DOI: 10.1007/s10826-013-9857-4
Wynants, S. A., & Dennis, J. M. (2017). Embracing diversity and accessibility: A mixed methods
study of the impact of an online disability awareness program. Journal of Postsecondary
Education and Disability, 30(1), 33-48.
Journals
Journal of Mixed Methods Research
International Journal of Social Research Methodology, Mixed Methods virtual issue
General Resources: Videos and Websites
CAQD. (2016). Advances in Mixed Methods Research–John W. Creswell–Keynote at the 2016
CAQD Conference. Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dR2QU2pZcLU
Creswell, J. (2013). What is Mixed Methods Research. Video on YouTube:
Creswell, J. (2013). What Skills are Needed for Mixed Methods Research? Video on YouTube:
Rominger, R. (2015). Mixed Methods. Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T5HOpyJJmjQ
Sage Research Methods / Sage Campus: http://methods.sagepub.com/