Premium Essay

Mixed Methods of Research

In: Other Topics

Submitted By evie
Words 2295
Pages 10
“If we knew what it was that we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” Albert Einstein
Mixed methods research is fast becoming recognised as a third major research approach or paradigm alongside qualitative and quantitative research. Its philosophy is pragmatic, and in general terms it is an approach which attempts to acknowledge several perspectives, viewpoints and angles. Research methods are a fundamental component of the social sciences which facilitate the understanding of human behaviour. Grinnell (1993, as cited in Kumar, 2005, p.95) defines research as being a “careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles”. Grinnell also adds that research is a structured inquiry which employs scientific methodology for problem solving and creating new knowledge. This paper will critically discuss the nature and design of mixed methods research. The essay begins by defining mixed methods before giving an outline of the quantitative and qualitative approaches followed by a discussion on the debate surrounding the multi-strategy approach. Multi-strategy research attempts to combine methods from the positivist- quantitative and the interpretive- qualitative paradigms. Both numerical data, a result of quantitative enquiry and narrative data, a result of qualitative enquiry are collected and analysed with the aim of trying to answer a specific research question. This type of integration may also be referred to as multi-strategy research (Williams, 2007). Tashakkori & Teddlie (2003) undertook the task of classifying various terms researchers use to describe mixed methods. They argue that clarity is needed as mixed methods can be described as a third

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Mixed Method Research

...The essential goal of mixed methods research is to tackle a given research question from any relevant angle, making use where appropriate of previous research and/or more than one type of investigative perspective. Sometimes referred to as mixed methodology, multiple methodology or multi-methodology research, mixed methods research offers you the best of both worlds: the in-depth, contextualized, and natural but more time-consuming insights of qualitative research coupled with the more-efficient but less rich or compelling predictive power of quantitative research. These approaches are far more comprehensive than attacking a problem from only one point of view and, with the emergence of strategies and tools for blending these different types of data, allow for the crossing of disciplinary boundaries like never before. Anyone who wants or needs to tackle a research challenge from two or more perspectives by deliberate choice or out of practical necessity will benefit from a mixed methods approach. Mixed methods research has been employed with real success in every people-focused discipline, from psychology and sociology to education and health care to human resources and marketing. The essential steps to doing great mixed methods research is as follows: * define the challenge * collect the appropriate data from any relevant source to develop and test hypotheses * rigorously examine those data for obvious and hidden patterns * analyze your findings * Present...

Words: 505 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Quantitive and Qualitative Research Paper

...Quantitive and qualitative research paper BSHS/435 January 11 2016 Quantitive and qualitative research paper Introduction In this essay, I will define appropriate academic research and what that means, I will describe quantitative research, and qualitative of research explaining how they are different and how they relate to one another, human service field, and a scientific method. I will also describe how to decide whether to use quantitative or qualitative research mythology I will provide examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each mythology and I will explain why I chose those examples. I will also define mixed method research and describes drinks, overbite an example of what is appropriate to apply mixed methods research in the human service field I will also identify an ethical issue in research. Appropriate academic research "Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interrupting information parentheses data parentheses in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon about which we are into interested or concerned" (Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2010). As students will use academic research to answer the questions that we do not know to have a better understanding for a topic and clarity on subjects that we are learning in school. The research allows us not to make assumptions about something that we do not know, but it said have clarity on what it truly is. I could not make research improve the knowledge for students...

Words: 1071 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Fundamentals of Research Shemika Savage University of Phoenix   The use of the scientific method is a necessity in research. The scientific method could be used in observation and experimentation. The results determined during the use of the scientific method help in many different aspects. In order for researchers to prove theories or assumptions, they must have proof and facts. These facts are proven with the scientific method. The scientific method is defined as “a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data is gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from the data and the hypothesis is empirically proven.”(Dictionary.com,LLC, 2012) The steps in the scientific method are: defining the problem, observations, hypothesis, experimentations, data gathering, testing of the hypothesis, and conclusions. The steps of the scientific method need to be conducted in order. No steps should be left out. The scientific method helps to determine the relationships between cause and effect. The method helps to define problems and to collect data and make possible solutions. The research would not be complete and the conclusions would not be solid or valid. The scientific method can be used in human services to establish the collection of data in many scenarios. It is crucial to investigate the realms that are the cause for the issues or problems. The scientific method can be used in human services to help a mother who suffers from alcoholism. The human service worker...

Words: 624 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Personel Management

...RESEARCH DESIGN Qualitative, Quantitative. and Mixed Methods Approaches SECOND EDITION John W. Creswell University of Nebraska, Lincoln SAGE Publications International Educational and Professional Publisher Thousand Oaks London New Delhi ~ 6 7 6 3Copyright O 2003 by Sage Publications, Inc. -3 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Cover image copyright O Sheldan CollinsICorbis; used by permission. For information: Sage Publications, Inc. 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, California 91320 E-mail: order@sagepub.com Sage Publications Ltd. 6 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4PU United Kingdom Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd. M-32 Market Greater Kailash I New Delhi 110 048 India Printed in the United States of America Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Creswell, John W. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches I by John W. Creswel1.- 2nd ed. p. cm Includes bibliographical references and indexes. ISBN 0-7619-2441-8 (c) - ISBN 0-7619-2442-6 (pbk.) 1. Social sciences-Research-Methodology. 2. Social sciences-Statistical methods. I. Title. H62 .C6963 2002 30W.7'2-dc21 Acquiring Editor: Editorial Assistant: Production Editor: Copy Editor: Typesetter: Cover Designer: ...

Words: 7400 - Pages: 30

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Running Head: FUNDAMENTALS OF RESEARCH Fundamentals of Research Tawni Romero University of Phoenix BSHS 382 Research and Statistics Tina Henderson May 2, 2011 Fundamentals of Research The text defines scientific method as a “general expression for the methodology of science, or a systematic research approach or outlook emphasizing the use of empirical reasoning” (Rosnow & Rosenthal, 2008, p. 424). Within this paper there will be a discussion on the scientific method and how it relates to research in the human services field. This paper will review the steps in the scientific inquiry process. This paper will define quantitative and qualitative research and explain how they relate and differ each to the human services field and the scientific method. The paper will determine whether to use a quantitative or qualitative research methodology, and provide examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each methodology and why. The paper will define mixed method research with descriptions and strengths included. Examples of when it is appropriate to apply mixed method research in the human services field will also be examined. In conclusion, there will be a summary of how scientifically sound research supports the function of the human services manager. The Scientific Method The six steps to conducting research are “1) identifying a research problem, 2) reviewing the literature, 3) specifying a purpose for research, 4) collecting data, 5) analyze and interpreting...

Words: 1150 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Whey vs Soy Protein Topic

...protein is better for you. From my general understanding by reading the nutrition labels and light research on the web both helps with building lean muscle, just in different ways. This boils down to the amount of protein in the servings and how it is absorbed in the body. My reasoning for doing this research is so I can not only find out what works best for me but also to be able to explain the differences between the two to friends and others who may have questions about it. Research will have different approaches, views and ideas involved that researchers can use to come to a conclusion about a problem. Philosophical worldviews can be defined as “a basic set of beliefs that guide action” (Creswell, 2013). These views arise from discipline orientations, student advisor/mentor inclinations, and past research experiences which lead to a qualitative, quantitative or mixed method approach in research. The four types of worldviews widely known are postpositivism, constructivism, transformative and pragmatism. The worldview I will be bringing to the study will be of pragmatism. With pragmatism instead of the researcher focusing on methods, there is an emphasis on the research problem and use all approaches available to understand the problem (Creswell, p. 10). With the study that will be done on the differences in types of protein there will be a need for quantitative methods...

Words: 932 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Fundamental Research

...Fundamentals of Research Dallas Anderson BSHS/382 March 11, 2013 Instructor: Angels Colistra Fundamentals of Research The research field plays a large role in human services assisting the human service workers in making decisions for the client daily. In this paper there will be a definition of the scientific method and how it relates to the human service field. There will a discussion of the steps in the process of scientific method along with why the steps are important to the human service field. The terms qualitative and quantitative research will be defined and discussion on how they differ, and they relate to the human service profession. Mixed method research will also be discussed and when it would be a good time to apply this method in human services. Finally a brief summary will be included, in which research will support the function of a human services manager. Scientific Method The use of scientific method is essential in the human service field. When using the observing ad experiments method a human service worker can understand and learn much more information about his or her client. The scientific method is defined as method of investigation, which a problem is identified first and observations, experiments, or other relevant data is useable to test or construct hypotheses to solve a problem (Creswell, 2008). The following step of the scientific method consist of first identifying the research problem...

Words: 993 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Fundementals of Research

...beginning; therefore, for a human service organization there has to be different measures of research. The needs of the community will need to be met and for a human service organization to meet them the target population and the problems happening with the target population is essential to for the organization to become successful. A research method will need to think of to help with arriving at a final solution. One method is the scientific method, and this method can help to satisfy the needs for a human service organization. Scientific method is the basic method, guide, and system by which a person originates, retire, extend, and apply knowledge in many fields. The scientific method is the method that search for the cause and effect relationship in the environment. People will design an experiment in hopes that changes to one particular issue will cause another to vary in a certain action. When suing the scientific method one must identify the problem. A clear understanding of the problem that need to set a plan of action. The second thing one must do is form a hypothesis of what may resolve the problem. Then one must gather the necessary data that will help to prove the prediction to be true or not. Last, analyzing, and deciphering the data will help to show if the prediction is accurate. Those who need this information can progress. Any human service field will require research to determine the needs of their target population. The way the economy has been recently a...

Words: 590 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Fundamentals of Research Research is an essential part of life, and everything one knows, or wants to know involves research. There are a few scientific approaches to test research and test data, but the scientific method is probably the most common one. Research also plays a vital role in the human services field. Research methods such as the scientific method helps human services professionals to make numerous informed decisions daily. A description of the scientific method research along with the definition, as well as the explanation of how it relates to human services research will be described in this paper. The terms quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research will also be defined as well as an example of when to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Scientific Method Scientific method is defined as the “principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). By hearing the word “science”, we instantly think of the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, geography, and such. Nevertheless, the field of human services is also a science, a social science. The scientific method is also usedto answer questions about human services field. The scientific method can help us understand anything from why refugies are being denied banefits to...

Words: 1210 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Fundamentals of Research Anna Albright BSHS/382 May 19, 2014 Fundamentals of Research Describe the Scientific Method The scientific method is compiled of a standard set of techniques that can be used to increase knowledge by making valid observations, interpreting results and simplifying those results. By using the scientific method researches are able to tests pre-existing results as well as modify and refine them or open up prior research for debate. According to Anol Bhattacherjee “the scientific method must satisfy four characteristics: replicability, precision, falsifiability and parsimony.” (Bhattacherjee, 2012) The definition of replicability is in the word meaning the research should be able to be replicated or repeated by other researchers and yet acquire similar or the same results. Precision means that although theoretical concepts can be difficult to measure they must be explained with intense precision that other researchers will be able to use the same explanations to measure the same concepts and test that same theory. According to Anol Bhattacherje “ the definition of falsifiability is that a theory must be stated in a way that it can be disproven. Theories that cannot be tested or falsified are not scientific theories and any such knowledge is not scientific knowledge.” (2012) If a theory consists of ideas that are not accurately measurable or cannot be tested it cannot be deemed as scientific. “Parsimony occurs when there are multiple explanations...

Words: 803 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Fundamental Research

...Fundamentals of Research in Human Services Yolanda M. Long BSHS/382 Research and Statistics for the Social Sciences March 17, 2014 Michael A. Keitler, MA Fundamentals of Research in Human Services This paper will define the term scientific method and how it relates to research in human services. The process to evaluate the research must incorporate steps needed to identify the problem, analysis the data, and finally form a conclusion. The paper will further explore and define the differences between quantitative and qualitative research in the human services field and the scientific method behind the research. An example depicting a quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed method research will be covered as well as how scientifically sound research can support the functions of a human service professional. Scientific Method and how it Relates to Human Services Research The Institute Innovation in Health and Human Services at James Madison University defines Scientific Method as the collection of quantitative and/or qualitative date for studies that incorporate logical design and are replicable. The measures, procedures, and analysis are informed by best practices in the field, and the findings are interpreted within the context of the extant research literature (para. 5). Scientific method is important to the field of human services as professionals try to assist clients through reliable data previously captured. If a client is dealing with abuse issues...

Words: 1112 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Three Abbreviated Research

...Three Abbreviated Research Plans Introduction Public health practitioner, when presented with a crisis, problem, or circumstances in the community can use the different research methods, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. These advance plans of query explore not only potential clarification, but it explores different route that will conclude an exact treatment or intervention and influence an outcome. The three abbreviated research plans will be outlined in this paper, will provide possible clarification to the rising concerns in the U.S. on health disparities in to the people in the community that have limited or no health insurance that will prevent them from receiving adequate medication, health care, and the use of preventive measures such as diet and exercise (Walden, 2012). Strength and Limitation of Research Methods The two major strengths found in the quantitative research methods are that using the strategy of inquiry, the researcher have the chance to test and confirm presented theories about how and why incident happen and test theory assemble before the information is achieve to study a large number of people in a determined community or population (Creswell, 2009). The next strength of this research is that based on the findings, the investigator can make an overview when the composed information is based on casual samples of major size (Creswell, 2009). According to Creswell (2009), the strength for the qualitative methods is the data that...

Words: 2719 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Fundamentals of Research Amanda Lopez BSHS/382 October 31, 2011 Kevin Benbow Fundamentals of Research Research plays a vital role in the human services field. Utilizing research methods (such as the scientific method) assists human services professionals in making numerous informed decisions daily. This paper will provide a detailed description of the scientific method and the fundamentals of research by first defining the term ‘scientific method’ as well as by providing an explanation of how it relates to human services research. The steps in the process of scientific inquiry will be reviewed along with why each of these steps must be included to support the scientific method. A human services research example of the scientific method that identifies each of the steps involved in the process of scientific inquiry will also be provided. Likewise, the terms quantitative and qualitative research will be defined and an explanation of the manner in which they differ as well as relate to the human services field and the scientific method will be included along with specific examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each methodology and an explanation why. The term mixed method research will then be defined and the strengths associated with this type of research method will be given as well as an example of when it is appropriate to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Lastly, a brief summary of the way in which scientifically sound research supports...

Words: 2195 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Compare And Contrast Rottmann, Sacks, And Reeve

...Rottmann, Sacks, and Reeve (2015) uses comparative analysis of qualitative data, which they collected through nine focus groups and seven interviews. Beck (2014) utilize a mixed methods methodology to try and determine what predicts servant leadership behaviors. This research was conducted because one of the major problems with servant leadership is the lack of empirical research conducted in this area. The mixed method research model was used because the researcher did not believe that only a qualitative or quantitative research study would give a complete picture of the topic. The researcher selected the servant leadership questionnaire (SLQ), which was divided into two parts. I have been familiar with qualitative, quantitative and the mixed...

Words: 331 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Scientific Method and the Fundamentals of Research

...Scientific Method and the Fundamentals of Research Stephan A. Bell BSHS 381 Research and Statistics for the Social Sciences 10 December 2012 Dr. Christine Cutis This paper will offer explanation of how scientific method and scientific research can be used in the Human Service field. This paper will also cover the steps involved in scientific inquiry and why the steps are of importance, then provide an example a scientific method related to the Human Services field. Also discussed will be a brief description of qualitative research and quantitative research, explaining the differences in both models and how the methods relate to the Human Service field and the scientific method. Discussion will concern quantitative and qualitative research methodology, define mixed method research, and describe its strengths. The scientific method can be explained as a method for research and study that is applied to investigate observations and to bring answers to questions. Within the scientific method researches can exploit the cause and effect relationships. Stated plainly, they can plan a study so that changes to an entity of the study influence something else in the study to vary in an unpredictable or expected manner. In the Human Service field, these method may relates if there is an upsurge in child abuse, or joblessness, or homelessness, replies offering results are required to answer the questions related to the upsurge. The only path to those replies can be done...

Words: 919 - Pages: 4