Mixed Method Study: A New Approach in Social Science

This research is a process of learning to fill the knowledge gap independently. Qualitative and quantitative research in the social science field provides new insights. A researcher can acquire new information through the use of mixed-methods studies, which offer a fresh approach to acquiring information and knowledge. This method provides us with both specific and academic insights into the research field. The mixed-methods study supported decision-making.

Figure 1: A Researcher Is Using Mixed Method Study
Figure 1: A Researcher Is Using Mixed Method Study

Understanding the Research Process

The researchers require these fundamental steps to understand the research process. These steps are part of the research process. By acquiring knowledge in a systematic manner, researchers are enhancing its capacity. Research is not a process; rather, it is a means of pursuing the quest for knowledge. The steps are below.

Figure 2: Research Process Steps
Figure 2: Research Process Steps

Phases of the Researcher Approaches

Phases Of The Research Approaches Years
Quantitative approaches 1900-1960
Qualitative approaches 1960-1980
Mixed method approaches 1980-2000

Table 1: Phases of the Researcher Approaches

Understanding the Quantitative Research

The research process begins with the use of variables, describing the relationship between or among them. The theory provides an explanation based on the observed trends. The role of hypotheses is limited to specific (deductive) approaches. This type of research gathers data using an instrument such as a survey. We conduct the analysis and subsequently prepare the report in a standard format.

Figure 3: A Researcher is Understanding the Quantitative Research
Figure 3: A Researcher is Understanding the Quantitative Research

While conducting the quantitative research, do I know?

Figure 4: Quantitative Research Steps
Figure 4: Quantitative Research Steps

The Use of the Deductive Reasoning Approach

In quantitative research, the existing theory plays a crucial role. Deductive reasoning is the process of developing hypotheses based on the existing theory and then constructing a research method to test these hypotheses. It is crucial to clarify the concepts, explain the correlation between the variables, and acknowledge the existence of a cause-and-effect relationship within the context. Researchers measure the ideas and concepts quantitatively. We apply the findings in a wider context.

Figure 5: A deductive Approach
Figure 5: A deductive Approach

Understanding the Qualitative Research

We collect non-numerical data to comprehend people’s attitudes, behaviors, and motivations in the context of social perspective research. This type of research takes place in a natural setting, allowing participants to interpret the concepts and provide their own meaning. This research focuses on ethnographic research, case study research, record-keeping, and the process of observation.

Figure 6: Qualitative Research process
Figure 6: Qualitative Research process

To Know About the Mixed Method Research

The term’ mixed methods’ has gained popularity as a general term that encompasses almost any scenario that combines multiple methodological approaches, typically incorporating elements from both qualitative and quantitative research methods. It covers multi-method research and triangulation, each of which has a somewhat more restricted meaning. Remember that MMR is not simply a collection of two or more independent studies; instead, it requires an integrative use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a single study. The strengths of one method may outweigh the weaknesses of another, particularly in terms of validity, adding confidence to results, and producing a more complete, integrated picture. The integrative nature allows research questions to be considered beyond a single quantitative or qualitative approach; for example, a single study can consider exploratory and confirmatory research questions.

Induction

Why did I choose the Mixed Method Research approach?

Various factors determine the choice to employ a multi-model regression (MMR) approach. These considerations are based on the researchers’ philosophy and theoretical development approaches. Engaging in a research project with a philosophical inclination towards pragmatism often aligns with MMR, as a pragmatic researcher does not focus on a single approach. The researcher seeks the method that provides the most relevant and reliable data. The dialectical paradigm aims to incorporate diverse perspectives and interpretations of the social world, emphasizing the importance of multiple viewpoints. To effectively comprehend and analyze these various perspectives, we choose MMR. A critical realist may opt for a quantitative phase to analyze published data and a qualitative phase to investigate perceptions. Abductive reasoning can carry out the process of developing theories or models, initially selecting a qualitative approach to formulate propositions and subsequently conducting a quantitative study to test these propositions. It is important to note that there are many valid variations and phases in abductive development. Therefore, view this example sequence as an illustration rather than a set of instructions.

Figure 6: Choose the Mixed Method Research approach
Figure 6: Choose the Mixed Method Research approach

Double Method Not Single Method

Considering all factors leads to a multitude of reasons for adopting MMR. Various authorities describe the reasons in different ways, with some asserting up to ten, while others only state five. Fundamentally, we can categorize the underlying reasons into three groups: techniques that enhance outcomes by accumulating evidence, confirming findings, or analyzing different aspects of the phenomenon, all while minimizing the influence of bias from a single method. MMR phases aim to improve upon previous phases’ findings by providing further elaboration, illustration, or even contradiction of the results obtained in earlier phases. In addition, the researcher may want to establish a connection between the two studies in order to investigate the phenomena in a unified manner. This involves examining the phenomena in the initial study and then verifying or broadening the findings through a subsequent study. For instance, one phase may identify potential categories or items for a survey in a subsequent phase.

Figure 7: Double Method Not Single Method: Mixed Method Study
Figure 7: Double Method Not Single Method: Mixed Method Study

Where We Can Use Mixed Method Research

Psychologists and social scientists utilize mixed-methods research in health studies. This is the method by which we collect both numeric and nonnumeric data. Through this method, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the research questions and know the strengths and weaknesses of the topic and phenomena. Having in-depth knowledge and understanding can challenge your thinking patterns and inspire you to seek out new information.

Figure 8: Mixed Method Research: Psychologists and Social Scientists
Figure 8: Mixed Method Research: Psychologists and Social Scientists

What Should I Know For the Mixed Methods Research?

These skills will support you in conducting mixed-methods research.

 

Creation of the Titles
Creation of the Titles
Figure 9: Skills Needed for Mixed Method Study
Figure 9: Skills Needed for Mixed Method Study

Support Factors In Mixed Method Study?

There are a number of skills that are important to learn for the research, as you can see from the mixture of both qualitative and quantitative research entertained in the MMR study. Therefore, these skills are essential for conducting research effectively.

Expert opinion
Expert opinion

This article about the mixed method study, which is important in the field of social science, means that in-depth knowledge and understanding can be possible if we follow the mixed method study. I hope you all enjoy it.

Regards,

Dr. Abid Hussain Nawaz

 

You Might Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *