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Many researchers find that having to choose either quantitative or qualitative methods is restrictive of their investigations. Mixed methods research therefore applies both qualitative and quantitative methods to answer research questions (Punch 2009). An example of mixed methods research would be where a lecturer administered a class survey which contained both Likert scale items (returning quantitative data) and open questions (returning qualitative data). Or a study might measure the impact of an intervention (for example, the implementation of more inquiry-based laboratories) by combining analysis of module grade data with student focus group comments.
Quantitative research methods bring the advantages of clearly defining variables for investigation, identifying trends and patterns in data and using larger samples which may be more representative of the population (Punch 2009). Qualitative research methods bring a wider variety of methods which can enhance triangulation, sensitivity to nuances in meaning, richer interpretations of data, and more in-depth analysis of contexts (Punch 2009). Pragmatism is the main paradigm associated with mixed methods (Tashakkori and Teddlie 2010). Mixed methods research is said to lead to better understanding of social phenomena, meaning it permits enhanced validity and credibility of inferences, greater comprehensiveness of findings and more insightful understandings (Greene et al. 2001). There are different variations of mixed method research; for example it does not have to imply equally blended qualitative and quantitative methods, rather one may be predominant, or they may occur at different stages of the research (Johnson et al. 2007).
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