Mixed methods research is becoming an increasingly popular approach in the discipline fields of sociology, psychology, education and health sciences. Calls for the integration of quantitative and qualitative research methods have been advanced in these fields. A key feature of mixed methods research is its methodological pluralism, which frequently results in research which provides broader perspectives than those offered by mono-method designs. The central premise of mixed methods is that the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches in combination provides a better understanding of research problems and complex phenomena than either approach alone. The purpose of this chapter is to review designs of mixed methods research. The study surveys the common designs of mixed methods research and examine the main characteristics of each in terms of purposes, strengths, and issues, and posits suggestions on the application of these designs.
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Mixed method research is a combination technique where statistical information obtained from quantitative measurements is supported and enriched by qualitative information obtained from the explanations provided by the research participants. Mixed method research is one of the recent developments of research methodologies that has gained attention from many educations and social science researchers (Creswell, 2003, Brannen, 2005; Andrew & Halcomb, 2011;Creswell et al., 2011;Creswell, 2014;Denzin, 2012;Kakai et al., 2014;Klassen et al., 2012;Mertens, 2014;Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2011;Venkatesh et al., 2013). Quantitative techniques have also been used to extend qualitative results and research objectives. According to Creswell (2003), “A mixed methods study involves the collection or analysis of both quantitative and/or qualitative data in a single study.” In such a study, the quantitative and qualitative data collection can be done either concurrently or sequentially. Each type of data is given a priority level and integrated at one or more stages in the research process. Mixed Methods Research supports the use of multiple research techniques to obtain answers to the research questions and encourage researchers to have a diverse approach towards research method selections (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Klassen, Creswell, Clark, Smith, & Meissner, 2012; Creswell, Klassen, Plano Clark, & Smith, 2011; Kakai et al., 2014).