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Application of Mixed Methods in Information Science Research in Africa: A Methodological Review

Application of Mixed Methods in Information Science Research in Africa: A Methodological Review

Sarah Nakaziba (Aga Khan University, Uganda) and Mary Namuguzi (Aga Khan University, Uganda)
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 19
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-8844-4.ch001
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Abstract

The chapter discusses the application of mixed methods research (MMR) in information science (LIS) journals in Africa. MMR is increasingly becoming popular because it provides a comprehensive overview of a complex phenomenon that a single methodology cannot address. It adds insight and perspectives into a study, thereby enriching the findings. The chapter reviewed information science journals indexed in African Journals Online (AJOL), which is a core database in Africa. Twelve journals indexed between 2011 and 2020 were identified for the methodological review to help determine the prevalence of MMR in LIS and establish the reporting quality of MMR in LIS. Findings indicated that MMR studies in the LIS field in Africa was still low, and the few studies that had adopted MMR had poor quality reporting.
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Background

Mixing of methods is not new and has been around since (Campbell & Fiske, 1959) recommended utilising multiple quantitative methods. However, it was only in the late 1980s and early 1990s when MMR gained popularity (Maxwell, 2015). Ngulube (2012) reviewed several definitions of MMR and noted that different authors defined MMR differently depending on their academic backgrounds. The key concepts identified about MMR were collection, analysis, integration, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data based on a convergent or sequential research approach to maximise the benefits of both methods in a single study.

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