1. Mixed Method Approaches: Some Reflections KNAW RM 30 march 2007 Johannes H. Smit Vakgroep Psychiatrie, Vu Medical Centre Email:Jh.Smit@vumc.nl

2. Mixed Methods Design Tackling the research problem from different angles /sources What do you want more????

3. Mixed Methods Design There is no single best plan for a study, not even for an inquiry into a particular topic, at a particular time, with a particular budget (Chronbach, 1982)

4. Mixed Methods Design Common techniques Quantitative Questionnaires Test Existing databases Qualitative Observation Interviews Focus groups

5. Mixed Methods Design Theoretical Value of the data (trade off) Scientific rigor (objectivity, accuracy) Philosophical (different views on science)

6. Mixed Methods Design Practical issues Credibility of findings Staff skills Costs Time contraints

7. Mixed Methods Design No easy solutions Mostly mixed methods designs are only to be advised if skills of different techniques are present in Research Team

8. Mixed Methods Design How to handle differences in Paradigma, Skills, Error (triangulation), Sometimes it is beter to advise ‘NOT’ to In stead of ‘HOW’ to. (????)