The Hybrid Approach: Mixed Methods Research Designs in Scholar-Practitioner Studies

QUESTION

You may be familiar with the many design ideas for fuel-efficient cars and their gas-saving engines. Some designs include cars that run on alternatives to traditional gasoline, such as biofuels, hydrogen, or electrical charge. However, the design with the greatest initial success has been the hybrid engine. As you may know, these engines use some gasoline and also use batteries that gain a charge from the energy produced by the car’s brakes.

This week’s readings provide an overview of various types of mixed methods research designs. As with previous discussions on design, the selection of the most appropriate mixed design is guided by the study’s purpose and research questions and/or hypotheses. The choice of design links the research questions and/or hypotheses to the data that will be collected achieving alignment among research components. You will explore the basics of mixed methods research designs, calling upon your growing understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research.

Required Readings

Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has comeLinks to an external site.. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14-26.

Collins, K. M., & O’Cathain, A. (2009). Introduction: Ten points about mixed methods research to be considered by the novice researcherLinks to an external site.. International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, (1), 2-7.

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H.  (Eds.). (2020). Research designs and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Chapter 8, “Mixed Methods Designs and Approaches”

ANSWER

The Hybrid Approach: Mixed Methods Research Designs in Scholar-Practitioner Studies

Introduction

Mixed methods research designs have gained prominence in the academic community, offering a powerful tool for exploring complex research questions that benefit from both quantitative and qualitative data. Drawing parallels to the success of hybrid engines in fuel-efficient cars, mixed methods designs provide a harmonious integration of diverse research components. This essay discusses the basics of mixed methods research designs and their relevance in aligning research questions, data collection, and analysis to enhance the scholar-practitioner’s understanding.

The Foundations of Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research, as proposed by Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004), is a comprehensive research paradigm that embraces both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. It seeks to address research questions from multiple perspectives, providing a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. The ten points highlighted by Collins and O’Cathain (2009) emphasize the considerations for novice researchers venturing into mixed methods studies, encouraging thoughtful planning and execution.

Achieving Alignment Among Research Components

The success of mixed methods research lies in the seamless alignment between research questions and data collection. The selection of the appropriate mixed design should be driven by the study’s purpose, research questions, and hypotheses. By integrating quantitative and qualitative data, researchers can complement each other, providing a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of the research problem (Burkholder et al., 2020).

Practicality and Application in Scholar-Practitioner Studies

Mixed methods research designs are particularly beneficial for scholar-practitioners who seek to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. The hybrid approach allows for the integration of numerical data and real-life narratives, enabling scholar-practitioners to gain insights into the “what” and “why” of a phenomenon.

In scholar-practitioner studies, mixed methods designs can be applied to explore multifaceted questions that require a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions. For instance, in educational research, a mixed methods design can assess the effectiveness of a teaching intervention by quantifying student test scores (quantitative) while also capturing students’ qualitative feedback on their learning experiences (qualitative).

Conclusion

Just as hybrid engines revolutionized the automotive industry by combining the advantages of gasoline and electric power, mixed methods research designs offer a promising pathway for scholar-practitioners to achieve comprehensive insights into complex research questions. By aligning research components, these designs harmoniously blend quantitative and qualitative data, enabling a deeper understanding of the phenomena under investigation.

As scholar-practitioners venture into mixed methods research, it is essential to carefully consider the research questions, purpose, and design to ensure coherence and relevance in data collection and analysis. Ultimately, embracing mixed methods research empowers scholar-practitioners to enhance their research endeavors, contribute to practical knowledge, and drive positive changes in their respective fields.