Mixed methods research is a type of research design that combines qualitative and quantitative research methods in a single study. The goal is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem by combining the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
There are different ways to design a mixed methods research study, but the most common approaches are sequential and concurrent.
In sequential mixed methods research, the researcher first collects and analyzes quantitative data and then follows up with qualitative data. In concurrent mixed methods research, the researcher collects and analyzes both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time.
Here are a few examples of mixed methods research:
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A study on the effectiveness of a new teaching strategy in a classroom setting. The researcher could use a quantitative survey to collect data on student test scores and a qualitative interview to gather information on student engagement and feedback.
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A study on the impact of a public health program. The researcher could use a quantitative survey to collect data on the program's reach and impact and a qualitative focus group to gain insights into the program's effectiveness from the perspective of the participants.
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A study on the experience of individuals living with chronic illness. The researcher could use a quantitative questionnaire to gather demographic and health-related data and a qualitative interview to explore the personal experience of living with the illness.
In each of these examples, the mixed methods approach allows the researcher to gain a more complete understanding of the research problem by using both quantitative and qualitative data.
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