Mixed methods research

For your thesis research, you often choose between qualitative and quantitative methods. However, there is also a third option: mixed methods research. This is when you combine quantitative and qualitative research to explore and answer to your research question. This combination of research methods can help provide you with a more comprehensive picture of your topic. What exactly is mixed methods research, and how do you properly approach it? 

As the name suggests, mixed methods research means that you combine elements of qualitative research and quantitative research into one study. This means you collect both quantitative data (numbers or statistics) and qualitative data (data that can be expressed in words, concepts, or opinions). Both types of research have advantages and disadvantages. When you combine the two, you are able to make the most of both of their advantages. 

For example, suppose you are researching how psychology students at the UvA feel about their exams. You could do quantitative research by conducting surveys among 300 of the students. On the other hand, you are also curious as to why students like or dislike certain aspects of their exams. Therefore, you conduct additional interviews with ten psychology students. This way, in addition to the statistics giving you an idea of how opinions are distributed across a large sample, you also get more in-depth insight into students' feelings. The interviews can enrich your quantitative data.

There are several reasons why it may be appropriate to use mixed methods research in your research project:

• You use triangulation. This means you use multiple methods to demonstrate the same thing. This increases the credibility of your results. This  only works if the data collected through the different types of research matches.

• The research is generalizable. In quantitative research, you conduct research among a larger population, which makes the results more generalizable. With qualitative research, the generalizability is lower. You can compensate for this with a mixed methods approach, where you supplement qualitative data with quantitative research.

• You want a broader understanding of a phenomenon. Quantitative research is designed to get a picture of a large number of individuals or cases. Through this approach, you can see the bigger picture. By supplementing that perspective with results from qualitative research, you can get more in-depth insight into, for example, the reasons behind certain opinions.

Keep in mind that in mixed methods research, the two types of research are not separate. Always merge the qualitative and quantitative data into one conclusion. You can do that, for example, by using the quantitative data as a starting point and using the qualitative data to explain the context or reasoning behind it.

There are different types of research designs  to pick from when using mixed methods research. For example, you can choose:

1. Convergent parallel design: you collect both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time, but analyze them separately. You compare the data afterwards to form conclusions.

2. Integrated design (embedded design): you collect qualitative and quantitative data at the same time, but one of the two types of data is the more important one in your research. For example, you could collect primarily quantitative research data, but supplement it with a few open-ended questions to get qualitative information as well. That qualitative data then serves as a supplement.

3. Explanatory sequential design: you collect quantitative data first and then qualitative data (in order to explain the quantitative data).

4. Exploratory sequential design: you collect qualitative data first and then quantitative data. You use the qualitative data to discover patterns and arrive at hypotheses. Then, you test those hypotheses with the quantitative data. 

The main advantages of a mixed methods approach are:

• You benefit from the advantages of both qualitative and quantitative research. On the one hand, your research results are generalizable and valid; on the other hand, the qualitative data provides you with an in-depth understanding of the topic. y

• You suffer less from the drawbacks of both types of research. Both qualitative and quantitative methods complement each other, so you can compensate for any drawbacks by supplementing qualitative data with quantitative research and vice versa.

• You are more flexible in how you design the research. For example, you are able to uncover patterns and use the data to hypothesize about them, then use the quantitative methods to test the hypotheses. 

There may also be disadvantages to choosing a mixed methods approach. These are possible drawbacks:

• The research is time-consuming because you have to collect and analyze two types of data.

• Merging the data can be complex. The idea is to merge the data to come to a conclusion that incorporates both perspectives. This can be complex because the data are so different in nature.

• Sometimes the data point in different directions. When the results do not align, it can be extra difficult to draw a conclusion.

Qualitative or quantitative research? Inductive or deductive research? If you are going to do research for your thesis, you have all sorts of methodological choices to make. Want to make informed decisions about them? Then, keep exploring our knowledge base. 

For example, take a look at our introduction to research approaches, our explanation of induction and deduction, and our description of the research design process. That way, you will be well prepared to start your research.