Though there is a strong support in combining methodologies of both qualitative and quantitative in research, mixed-methods should be given more attention by researchers (Brannen, 2005). Therefore, this paper discusses the practical and theoretical problems in combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Theoretical Considerations
The most important issue or problem that arises in the theoretical part of combining both qualitative and quantitative methods is the definition of combined methods or mixed methods itself. Borkan (2004) defines mixed methods research as “those studies or lines of inquiry that integrate one or more qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and/or analysis” (p.4). On contrary, Sandelowski …show more content…
(2007) identified the following five broad rationales of combined methods methodological studies- triangulation ( i.e. seeking convergence and corroboration of results from different methods studying the same phenomenon), complementarity (i.e. seeking elaboration, enhancement, illustration, clarification of the results from one method with results from the other method), development (i.e. using the results from one method with results from the other method), development (i.e. using the results from one method to help inform the other method), initiation (i.e. discovering paradoxes and contradictions that lead to a reframing of the research question), and expansion (i.e. seeking to expand the breadth and range of inquiry seeking to expand the breadth and range of inquiry by using different methods for different inquiry components). Hence it is important issue when it comes to theoretical problems in combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies is to take note the importance of a rationale or the use of combined methods …show more content…
For example, Anaf and Sheppard (2007) specifically mentioned about health professionals that are increasingly being drawn into the concept of evidence based practice. This is in line with the view from Stange (2006) that the expectation from the public that research in fields like medical and clinical fields to produce clinical results is extremely high, as this not only validates intervention techniques and management strategies, but also help to familiarise clinicians and the public with the subject matter of the profession. The same goes to the field of Occupational Psychology, most managers and psychologists make many kinds of decisions-small or large, routine or non-programmed, fast or later, few resource implications or large resource implications. The key difference for occupational psychology from other human resource management and management practices is, it is all about evidence-based management and practice. In this regard, combined methodologies research is in an interesting position. For instance, it is compulsory to add a qualitative section in any quantitative research in the future especially in the field of occupational psychology per
Theoretical Considerations
The most important issue or problem that arises in the theoretical part of combining both qualitative and quantitative methods is the definition of combined methods or mixed methods itself. Borkan (2004) defines mixed methods research as “those studies or lines of inquiry that integrate one or more qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and/or analysis” (p.4). On contrary, Sandelowski …show more content…
(2007) identified the following five broad rationales of combined methods methodological studies- triangulation ( i.e. seeking convergence and corroboration of results from different methods studying the same phenomenon), complementarity (i.e. seeking elaboration, enhancement, illustration, clarification of the results from one method with results from the other method), development (i.e. using the results from one method with results from the other method), development (i.e. using the results from one method to help inform the other method), initiation (i.e. discovering paradoxes and contradictions that lead to a reframing of the research question), and expansion (i.e. seeking to expand the breadth and range of inquiry seeking to expand the breadth and range of inquiry by using different methods for different inquiry components). Hence it is important issue when it comes to theoretical problems in combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies is to take note the importance of a rationale or the use of combined methods …show more content…
For example, Anaf and Sheppard (2007) specifically mentioned about health professionals that are increasingly being drawn into the concept of evidence based practice. This is in line with the view from Stange (2006) that the expectation from the public that research in fields like medical and clinical fields to produce clinical results is extremely high, as this not only validates intervention techniques and management strategies, but also help to familiarise clinicians and the public with the subject matter of the profession. The same goes to the field of Occupational Psychology, most managers and psychologists make many kinds of decisions-small or large, routine or non-programmed, fast or later, few resource implications or large resource implications. The key difference for occupational psychology from other human resource management and management practices is, it is all about evidence-based management and practice. In this regard, combined methodologies research is in an interesting position. For instance, it is compulsory to add a qualitative section in any quantitative research in the future especially in the field of occupational psychology per