5. Mixed Methods

“We need to marry the qualitative with the quantitative. It better informs us so we can decide what to do. We can’t be afraid of data and analysis. We have to use that lens.” – Nathan Shedroff

 

In this chapter you will learn about:

  • the purpose of mixed methods
  • types of mixed methods research
  • sampling techniques in mixed methods
  • triangulation of data.

Opening Scenario

It was Stephanie’s birthday, and her best friend (Joane) decided to take her to the new Japanese restaurant in town for dinner. Stephanie was thrilled, but she had some difficulty choosing between her two favourite dishes – Sukiyaki (a traditional Japanese dish of thinly sliced beef and other ingredients cooked over a flame in a pot known as a “suki”) and Tonkatsu (a traditional Japanese dish that consists of a breaded and deep fried pork cutlet which is served with various toppings). Joanne then suggested that they order both dishes and share the meals. That way, Stephanie could have and enjoy a bit of ‘both dishes -worlds”. Joane’s solution to Stephanie’s dilemma can be likened to what happens in mixed methods research.

No wonder Nathan Shedroff said, “We need to marry the qualitative with the quantitative. It better informs us so we can decide what to do.”

 

 

 

Licence

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An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students Copyright © 2023 by Faith Alele and Bunmi Malau-Aduli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.