The Importance of Qualitative Methods in Mixed Methods Studies

Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research is, in summary, a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research design. As Maxwell (2016) explained in his article, mixed methods research design occurred in academia well before it had the label of “mixed methods.” Studies that utilized a combination of qualitative and quantitative research design have been documented since the 1950s (Maxwell, 2016). Onwuegbuzie, Johnson, and Turner (2007) contented that integrative research, multimethod research, multiple methods, triangulated studies, mixed research, and blended research are a few labels given to mixed methods research. Regardless of the label, mixed methods studies share many commonalities.

Onwuegbuzie et al. (2007) summarized mixed methods research design as consisting of four central domains. The first domain is philosophical perspectives and the second domain is logistics surrounding inquiry. The third domain is procedural guidelines and the fourth is ideas surrounding socio-politics. These four domains were used to create a board definition of mixed methods research. Onwuegbuzie et al. (2007) wrote that mixed methods research is, “an intellectual and practical synthesis based on qualitative and quantitative research; it is the third methodological or research paradigm (along with qualitative and quantitative research” (p. 129). This definition properly reflects ideas by Cameron (2011).