Benefits+and+Challenges+of+Mixed+Methods+Research

Benefits and Challenges of Mixed Methods Research
====The benefits of the mixed method research design are many. As stated by Leech and Onwuegbuzie (2006): “Because of its logical and intuitive appeal, providing a bridge between the qualitative and quantitative paradigms, an increasing number of researchers are utilizing mixed methods research to undertake their studies.” ==== ====One of the benefits to this type or methodology is the ability to match the purpose of the method to the need in the study. For instance getting a feel for the key issue on a subject as before embarking on further development in a study can be very useful (Migiro 2011). The ability to triangulate the data and assure its validity and level of variance can also be invaluable. Other benefits include the complimentary relationship between qualitative and quantitative data, one clarifying the other throughout the study. This addition of a supplemental data set bolsters the effectiveness of the research (Migiro 2011). Other authors have given other examples or beneficial uses for this methodology Other articles attribute the ability to explain complex or contradictory survey responses as a benefit of using mixed methods research (Driscoll 2007). Some have asked whether this approach to research is helpful or beneficial. “We end with the assumption that the combination of methods provides a better understanding than either the quantitative or qualitative method alone,”(Creswell 2009). Using the different processes can also lead to unexpected or emergent themes and information that would not have otherwise have come to light (Driscoll 2007). ==== ====The challenges or disadvantages of the mixed method approach to research come mainly from the manipulation or reduction of the data, combining the two types of data and the time and resources required, and the compromises in sample size, money needed and duration of the study made in order to make the studies using these methods possible (Driscoll 2007). ==== ====Other researchers have also identified challenges in the generalizability of the data, timing of the sampling, and the difficulty in compiling and analysis of data. “Perhaps the most unresolved challenges to mixed method research relate to questions of data management, processing, and analysis,” (Lieber 2009). These all can require more time and money to facilitate the process being more effective and efficient (Lieber 2009). ====