Summary - Introduction to mixed methods research

Brief overview 

Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative research methods within one individual project.  There are key decisions to make about how and why you are bringing these types of methods together.  This session gives an introduction to mixed methods, strengths and weaknesses of using the approach, some examples of mixed methods projects and further resources for you to explore. 

Presenter information 

Dr Deborah Harrison, Research Design Methodologist with the Specialist Centre for Public Health.  Deb has a background in public sector research and policy and has worked with organisations including local authorities, voluntary and community sector and the NHS.  Deb’s research spans a wide range of issues including child poverty, homelessness, work quality and mental health.   

Key takeaways and top tips (time stamped) 

• (00:00 Introduction) Mixed methods research involves collecting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative data within the same research project  

• (02:53 What is Mixed Methods research?) Research problems that might suit a mixed method approach include: when initial quantitative findings may need to be explained; exploratory qualitative findings may need to be generalised; an additional method would help enhance a main method; or there’s an overall research aim to be understood through multiple phases or ‘work packages’  

• (07:56 What are the strengths of mixed methods research?) Strengths – combines advantages of qualitative and quantitative approaches; triangulation can enhance validity and credibility; explore diverse perspectives and understand connections and contradictions within data; complex research questions can benefit from multifaceted approaches  

• (10:00 What are the challenges?) Challenges – increased complexity of study design; time and resource to collect both qualitative and quantitative data; convincing others – still an emerging area and there can be conflicting philosophies and worldviews about what counts as knowledge  

• (13:00 Mixed methods study designs) Different methods can be undertaken at the same time (concurrent) or one after the other (sequential), there are lots of reasons for choosing between the two 

• Concurrent design may be useful if time is limited or independent research questions would benefit from different approaches 

• Sequential design might be useful if there is limited literature and it may be for example helpful to understand stories and perspectives (qualitative) to help shape a survey design (quantitative).  On the other hand it may be useful to undertake a survey (quantitative) to provide a broad overview and then follow up with interviews (qualitative) to examine findings in greater depth 

• Research design which uses a more dominant/primary method and a smaller supplementary method is called embedded mixed methods design.  An example might be a large survey which is supplemented with a handful of in depth interviews  

• (27:46 Key considerations) Key considerations – some useful questions to ask include: 

  1. Is a mixed methods approach needed?  

  2. What value will it add?  

  3. Is the research aim more qualitatively or quantitatively oriented?   

Top tip: check expectations about the write up, a funder may prefer separate qualitative and quantitative write up, or may be happy to accept a write up which combines both  

• (31:05 Useful resources and references) Deb suggests a range of open access materials and resources for further reading