Qualitative and quantitative components of mixed methods research are combined to reinforce and broaden a study’s conclusions so that they can be published. Research issues can be answered using a variety of methodologies, including mixed methods, in all investigations (Anguera et al., 2018). Purpose statements in mixed methods studies comprise a declaration of aim, the type of mixed methods design, the forms of qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and the justification for gathering both forms of data. However, mixed methods researchers use the pragmatic method and philosophical system, making research questions even more critical (Anguera et al., 2018). Since research questions guide various methodologies in a mixed-methods study, questions narrow and focus the study’s goal; a mixed techniques approach must be used. Research can begin with these hypotheses in mind or be used at the end of the study.
One can utilize qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis methods in mixed methods research to answer the research topic. Differences between quantitative and qualitative research questions can be summarized as follows: Question formulation is more open and ambiguous in qualitative research since the goal is to explore or describe phenomena rather than provide a clear nomothetic explanation (Anguera et al., 2018). Theoretical studies and the articulation of questions serve as the foundation for a researcher’s hypotheses. Two types of hypotheses are utilized in quantitative research: statistical and nonstatistical. At least four methods can integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches: describing quantitative outcomes with a qualitative approach, developing a quantitative component from qualitative results, combining quantitative and qualitative results, and embedding one of them (Anguera et al., 2018). It is possible to mix qualitative and quantitative components to make a superior whole. When it comes to the size of the samples, one should follow criteria for both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Reference
Anguera, M. T., Blanco-Villasenor, A., Losada, J. L., Sánchez-Algarra, P., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2018). Revisiting the difference between mixed methods and multimethods: Is it all in the name? Quality & Quantity, 52(6), 2757-2770.