Mixed Methodology Neuman and Robson Ch. 16 (a brief lecture!)

Rationale New thinking in research methods advocate the use of a mixed methodology An attempt to overcome the limitations associated with the use of either an exclusively quantitative method or a qualitative method. For example, examine Table 16.1 for specific limitations of the research techniques we have discussed this semester…

Why Use Mixed Methods? New thinking in this area tries to combine both quantitative and qualitative research styles in order to obtain “the best of both worlds” Can potentially avoid limitations associated with using a research method based on one particular method. However, in doing so we are dealing with two diametrically opposed epistemologies and it raises some difficulties….

Quantitative Research Qualitative Research -Meaningfully expressed by numbers -Provides counts and measures -Positivist orientation -Meanings, concepts, and definitions -Quality assessed through words, images, and description -Interpretivist or critical orientation Schools of Thought

Three General Approaches to Research (Revisited) APPROACH POSITIVISM CRITICALINTERPRETIVE USUAL TYPE experiment, historical- field research, OF RESEARCHsurvey, comparative interviews cont. anal. PERSPECTIVEtechnocratic transcendent transcendent TYPE OF LOGICreconstructed logic-in-practice logic-in-practice PATHlinear non-linear non-linear /cyclical /cyclical

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010 The Deductive (Quantitative) Process Ideas and theory come before empirical research Ideas lead to refutation through research The Inductive (Qualitative) Process o Research leads to theory development o Research initiates, reformulates, deflects and clarifies theory Ideas and Theory

Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research objective versus subjective nomothetic versus idiographic etic versus emic perspective

The Solution? Triangulation… Multiple lines of sight Researchers Theories Data Technologies

Triangulation: A Comprehensive Explanation See Triangulation by Alan Bryman at ence/triangulation.pdf ence/triangulation.pdf Bryman (drawing on Norman Denzin) states that that triangulation, “refers to the use of more than one approach to the investigation of a research question in order to enhance confidence in the ensuing findings” and is the primary rationale for multi-method research.

Norman Denzin (1970) on Four Types of Triangulation 1. Data triangulation, which entails gathering data through several sampling strategies, so that slices of data at different times and social situations, as well as on a variety of people, are gathered. 2. Investigator triangulation, which refers to the use of more than one researcher in the field to gather and interpret data. 3. Theoretical triangulation, which refers to the use of more than one theoretical position in interpreting data. 4. Methodological triangulation, which refers to the use of more than one method for gathering data.

Neuman and Robson on Methodological Triangulation Highlight the importance of priority and sequence in choosing a multi-method approach Which comes first…quantitative or qualitative? Or are to be used concurrently? These are important decisions that must be made in advance.

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010 Potential Strengths To add richness to numbers or add precision to text Numbers can strengthen grounded theory Can address broader questions Enhance generalizability of research Potential Weaknesses o Added labour and expense to research o Explanations become more complex o Can lead to “epistemic prioritization” (i.e. the researcher reverts back to preferred method to resolve conflict) Strengths and Weaknesses of Mixed Methodology