Mixed Methods Research Approach

Mixed Methods Research
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Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods is a research approach that has both quantitative and qualitative as the type of data collected and analyzed by the researcher for a single study. The purpose of using a mixed methods approach is to triangulate data from multiple sources and perspectives to increase the validity and reliability of the findings. The combination of the quantitative and qualitative components of mixed methods research provides a comprehensive understanding of the research problem that would not be possible by using either method alone.
The quantitative component of mixed methods research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data. This type of data is typically collected using survey instruments, statistical analysis, or experiments. The purpose of using quantitative methods is to provide a more objective and generalizable understanding of the research problem.
The qualitative component of mixed methods research encompasses gathering and analysis of non-objective data like text, images, or audio recordings. Non-numerical data type is typically collected using methods such as interviews, ethnography, or content analysis. The purpose of using qualitative methods is to provide a more in-depth and context-specific understanding of the research problem.
An article that uses mixed methods approach is Mundt and Briggs's (2016) “HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination in the New Zealand Healthcare Setting: A Mixed-methods Study.” In the article, the researchers were interested in a study to determine the extent to which people living with HIV/AIDs (PLHIV) experienced stigma and discrimination from the healthcare providers in the New Zealand healthcare settings. To this end, the researchers were interested in determining the nature and prevalence of the stigma and discrimination and how PLHIV described the experiences.
The researcher used a mixed methods approach to collect data from the study participants on their experiences within the New Zealand healthcare settings. To this end, Mundt and Briggs (2016) developed a questionnaire allowing them to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to measure the experience of PLHIV in New Zealand healthcare settings. The quantitative components of the questionnaire collected information on the demographics of the study participants. The focus variables in the quantitative variable included sex, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, birthplace, and whether the participant used an interpreter. In addition, the quantitative components of the study measured the experiences of discrimination and stigma by PLHIV using questions that sought to determine whether the quality of care experienced by PLHIV depended on their status and establish t...