Rizal Technological University

Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City

College of Education

A Written Report in Research 1 and Language Research

“Mixed Method Designs

(Quantitative and Qualitative)”

 Definition and Purpose

 Characteristics
 Types of Mixed Method Designs
- Triangulation Design
- Explanatory Design
- Exploratory Design
 Strengths and Weaknesses of Mixed Method Research
 Steps in Conducting a Mixed Methods Research Study
 Criteria for Evaluating a Mixed Method Study

Prepared by:

John Paolo T. Palon

Mirasol G. Salvador

Prepared to:
 Ms. Lynn Besa

INTRODUCTION

Research designs are procedures for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and

reporting data in research studies. They represent different models for doing research,
and these models have distinct names and procedures associated with them. Research
designs are useful, because they help guide the methods decisions that researchers
must make during their studies and set the logic by which they make interpretations at
the end of their studies.

Once the researcher has identified that the research problem calls for a mixed
methods approach and reflected on the philosophical and theoretical foundations of the
study, the next step is to choose a specific design that best fits the problem and the
research questions in the study. What designs are available, and how do researchers
decide which one is appropriate for their studies?

Mixed methods researchers need to be acquainted with the major types of mixed
methods designs and the key decisions behind these designs to adequately consider
available options. Each major design has its own history, purpose, considerations,
philosophical assumptions, procedures, strengths, challenges, and variants. With an
understanding of the basic designs in hand, researchers are equipped to choose and
describe the mixed methods design best suited to address a stated problem.

This chapter introduces the basic designs available to the researcher planning to
engage in mixed methods research.

DISCUSSION

o Definition of Mixed Method Research

 Mixed methods research is a methodology for conducting research that involves
collecting, analyzing and integrating quantitative (e.g., experiments, surveys) and
qualitative (e.g., focus groups, interviews) research. This approach to research is used
when this integration provides a better understanding of the research problem than
either of each alone.

Mixed methods research is a rapidly expanding methodology in the social and

human sciences in the US and around the world. In this presentation I will first define
mixed methods research (combining both quantitative and qualitative methods of
research) and discuss what it is and what it is not. Then I will review a brief history of its
development, and why it is important today. I will discuss several of the scientific
developments in mixed methods that have occurred over the last ten years, such as the
specification of types of designs, the formation of mixed methods questions, and the
use of innovative approaches to jointly display quantitative and qualitative
results. Finally, I will talk about the future of this methodology ‐ where it is headed and
some important worldwide developments that have encouraged mixed methods
research.

o Purpose of Mixed Method Research

o Characteristics of a Mixed Method Research

 Design can be based on either or both perspectives.

 Research problems can become research questions and/or hypotheses
based on prior literature, knowledge, experience, or the research process.
 Sample sizes vary based on methods used.
 Data collection can involve any technique available to researchers.
 Interpretation is continual and can influence stages in the research
process.

o Types of Mixed Method Designs

TRIANGULATION DESIGN

Triangulation design - Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time to
provides a more comprehensive and complete set of data. Researcher gives priority to
both quantitative and qualitative data, they collects both quantitative and qualitative data
simultaneously then compares the results from quantitative and qualitative analysis to determine
if the two data bases yield similar or dissimilar results

THE EXPLANATORY DESIGN

The explanatory sequential design occurs in two distinct interactive phases. This design
starts with the collection and analysis of quantitative data, which has the priority for
addressing the study’s questions. This first phase is followed by the subsequent
collection and analysis of qualitative data. The second, qualitative phase of the study is
designed so that it follows from the results of the first, quantitative phase. The researcher
interprets how the qualitative results help to explain the initial quantitative results.

Its purpose is to use qualitative results to assist in explaining and interpreting the findings of a
quantitative study.

• THE EXPLORATORY DESIGN

the exploratory sequential design (also referred to as the exploratory design) also uses sequential
timing. In contrast to the explanatory design, the exploratory design begins with and prioritizes
the collection and analysis of qualitative data in the first phase. Building from the exploratory
results, the researcher conducts a second, quantitative phase to test or generalize the initial
findings. The researcher then interprets how the quantitative results build on the initial
qualitative results. Its purpose is to explore a phenomenon. This strategy may also be useful when
developing and testing a new instrument

CONCLUSION

REFERENCE