Quantitative, Qualitative, & Mixed Methods Inquiry

Reasons for using Mixed Methods

1. to use one set of methods to illustrate cases or provide numbers for the findings of other set 2. to use one set to initiate ideas or techniques that subsequently can be pursued be the other set 3. to see if the two sets of findings corroborate each other

Mixed Methods

A stand alone research design in which a single study not only collects both qualitative and quantitative data, but also integrates both sources of data at one or more stages of the research process so as to improve the understanding of the phenomenon being investigated

Qualitative Research Method

Are more likely to tap the deeper meaning of particular human experiences, and generate theoretically richer observations that are not easily reduced to numbers

Quantitative Research Method

Emphasizes the production of precise and generalizable statistical findings. Attempt to formulate all or most of their research procedures in advance and then try to adhere precisely to those procedures with maximum objectivity as data collected.

Phase 7. Writing the research report

Introduction Methodology Results Discussion

Phases in research process

Phase 1: Problem formulation Phase 2. Designing the Study Phase 3. Data Collection Phase 4. Data Processing Phase 5. Data Analysis Phase 6. Interpreting findings Phase 7. Writing the research report

Phase 1: Problem formulation

Research question is posed Operational definition

3 Possibilites regarding emphasis

Qualitative emphasized Quantitative emphasized Equal Emphasized

3 Possibilites regarding sequencing

Qualitative first Quantitative first Concurrent (qualitative and quantitative methods implemented at the same time

Phase 3. Data Collection

The study designed in second phase is implemented

Phase 4. Data Processing

clarification, or coding of observations in order to make them more interpretable

Phase 2. Designing the Study

considers alternativve logical arrangements and data collection methods

Phase 5. Data Analysis

process data are manipulated to help answer the research question