Advantages Of Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research is defined by Creswell, as a “mixing” or combination of both qualitative and quantitative research. (2014, p. 213). Elizabeth Holcomb stated in an article published by Nursing Standard, “A mixed methods study should not be undertaken simply because it is possible to collect both numerical and narrative data in relation to a research question. The researcher should consider which methodological approach would be the most appropriate to address his or her specific research questions” (2015, p. 42). Why would this benefit a study? Simply using either qualitative research or quantitative research has worked for so long, why would researchers need to combine both types into mixed methods research? Very recently, mixed methods …show more content…
According to an article published in the Radiologic Technology journal, “quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analyzed to provide improved depth and strength to a study” (Aaron, 2011, p. 274). This is the reason for incorporating mixed methods research into the study of concussions in the National Football League, with completing face-to-face surveys with specific groups of players, and then following that up with video analysis from past film of the same players. Mixed methods research also allows the researcher to provide their qualitative research with greater validity by using quantitative research to back up the ideas and findings of the first type of research, or vice versa. Where qualitative and quantitative research each lack, is that both of these types of research designs tend to not be as strong as mixed methods research. This is due to mixed methods research incorporating both types of research, and according to Creswell, “it is a useful strategy to have a more complete understanding of research problems/questions such as the comparison of different perspectives drawn from quantitative and qualitative data” ( 2014, p. 217). With the concept of mixed methods research still being relatively new, as previously stated, there are positives, but negatives correlate to a mixed methods research design as …show more content…
(2011). Writing & research. Mixed methods research. Radiologic Technology, 82(3), 274-275 2p.
Halcomb, E., & Hickman, L. (2015). Mixed methods research. Nursing Standard (2014+), 29(32), 41. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.32.41.e8858
Leech, N. L., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2009). A typology of mixed methods research designs. Quality and Quantity, 43(2), 265-275.