1. Some points on mixed methods research
Mike Griffiths

2. Questions
Is it legitimate to combine quantitative and qualitative research?
In what ways have people combined quantitative and qualitative research?
Is a mixed method approach always useful?

3. Q1: The arguments against multistrategy research*
Embedded methods
epistemological and ontological commitments
Data gathering method is a commitment to a philosophical position
Paradigm argument
“conceives of quantitative and qualitative research as paradigms ... In which epistemological assumptions, values and methods are inextricably linked” (p. 453)
*Bryman, 2004

4. Bryman’s (2004) argument for MMR
Recognise different epistemological and ontological assumptions
But “the connections are not treated as fixed and ineluctable”
“A research method from one research strategy is viewed as capable of being pressed into the service of another”
Indeed, there may not even be a ‘leading’ strategy in a given piece of research
(p. 454)

5. Common contrasts: quantitative and qualitative research

6. Philosophical differences (Bryman, 2004)
Table 1.1, page 20

7. Ontological differences: my suggestions

8. But…
These are just guides to what approach might best fit a given question
Different approaches might suit different aspects, or phases, of a research question.

9. Q2. Classifying approaches to MMR
Hammersley (1996)
Triangulation
Facilitation (either way round)
Complementarity
Morgan (1998)
Bryman, 2004

10. Triangulation Can apply within one approach Cross-checking results
Can be planned or unplanned
Possibility of failing to corroborate
Trust one of the results rather than the other? (Newby, 1977, cited in Bryman: “instinctively trusted” participant observation above surveys)
Try to work out the reason? (Deacon et al., 98, cited in Bryman: conflicting ideas about how well the press report research findings)

11. Qualitative research facilitates quantitative
Providing hypotheses
E.g. Phelan (1987): incest in different kinds of family
Aiding measurement
E.g. construction of a questionnaire
Solving a puzzle (unexpected findings)

12. Quantitative research facilitates qualitative
Selecting a sample, e.g. identifying suitable people to interview
Filling gaps, e.g. structured interview or questionnaire to find information not available from observation

13. Complementarity Information not available through one method or other
Quantitative for ‘static’, qualitative for ‘processual’
Quantitative for ‘macro’, qualitative for ‘micro’
Researchers’ vs participants’ perspective
Behaviour vs attitudes

14. Is a mixed method approach necessarily best?
Bryman’s (2004) conclusions:
Not intrinsically superior
Must be well designed
Must be appropriate
High demands on resources
Needs skills in both approaches