Research method

Research Method

April 8 , 2008

BREADTH ABSTRACT

Mixed methods research combines theoretical and /or technical aspects of quantitative and qualitative research within a particular study . This portion of the compares and contrasts the selected method against other research methods . The Breadth portion traces the historical development of mixed methods research , and delineates current post-positivist and constructivist paradigmatic perspectives

Pragmatism is also presented as an attractive philosophical partner for mixed methods research , and to provide a framework for designing and conducting mixed methods research . The arguments for advantages of using

br mixed method research are also discussed . This portion concludes that mixed method research should be promoted in dissertation research so that researchers are able to conduct more effective research

DEPTH ABSTRACT

The purposes of this portion is to present some of the strengths and weaknesses of mixed methods research , which should aid in the decision to use or not use a mixed methods research approach for a given research study . The strengths and weaknesses of mixed methods research would help the researcher to decide whether mixed research offers the best potential approach to use . Moreover , the strengths and weaknesses of mixed methods research can be used as an aid to help in deciding on the combination of complementary strengths and nonoverlapping weaknesses that is appropriate for a particular study

The fundamental principle of mixed research and how to apply it is explained , the specific sets of designs for the two major types of mixed methods research (mixed-model designs and mixed-method designs ) is provided . Each of the two major positions of mixed method advocates : the dialectic and the pragmatic are described . Then the five purposes for mixing methods and eight types of mixed method studies are identified Grounded in mixed method inquiry literature , the benefits and tenets of mixed methods research are examined and analyzed how it is important as a research method

Further , the key step that must be taken to ensure successful use of the method is outlined with some recommendations for designing implementing , and reporting a mixed methods study . A key feature of mixed methods research is its methodological pluralism or eclecticism which frequently results in superior research (compared to monomethod research . Mixed methods research will be successful as more investigators study and help advance its concepts and as they regularly practice it .APPLICATION ABSTRACT

This portion describes the conceptual framework and strategies used in mixed methods research and to explore the opportunities and challenges emerging from theories and its applications . Theory-driven evaluations have frequently applied mixed methods in the past , and these experiences provide some insightful information for future development of mixed methods . In theory-driven evaluations , the application of mixed methods is justified and applied under a conceptual framework called pro-am theory . The conceptual framework of program theory provides a plan and agenda for mixed methods to work collaboratively and de-emphasizes their differences and incompatibilities . Based upon the conceptual framework of program theory , this

provides several strategies for combining qualitative and quantitative methods in theory-driven evaluations...