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The main advantage of mixed-methods research design is that it allows researchers to integrate multiple data sources to provide more insight into the study phenomena. Because mixed methods utilize both numerical and non-numerical data, researchers can assess and explore the relationships and elements of social and human life. Qualitative and quantitative research concepts may be non-specific and ambiguous in some cases. These two challenges may have significant implications for the research. Therefore, when a researcher mixes qualitative and quantitative research, they get the chance to experience new empirical insights into the research from a dynamic and comprehensive approach. Such experiences override the challenges that may come with quantitative or qualitative methods, including inconclusive outcomes and longer than the expected research time. Researchers can take an analytical approach to understanding complex research questions through the use of mixed-methods design.
Similarly, mixed-methods research design allows researchers to integrate data triangulation into the study. With data triangulation, researchers can confirm the validity of research findings by applying several data sources to identify inconsistencies in the variables (Dawadi et al., 2021). For example, to confirm the experiences of patients admitted to palliative care, researchers may use both open-ended and closed-ended surveys to acquire data. The data can be compared through triangulation. Triangulation, thus, allows for the application of “more diverse data,” a quality that may not be achieved by using a single design (Dawadi et al., 2021). When this happens, the validity and reliability of the research findings are improved.
The main disadvantage of mixed-methods design is that it may be complicated for inexperienced or rookie researchers. Researchers who have little research experience may find it challenging to meet the requirements of the method due to its complex nature (Wasti et al., 2022). Such researchers may also have a hard time identifying interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary team members who have expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research. If this happens, the research process may be gravely compromised. Similarly, mixed-methods design escalates research costs and time since it requires data collection and analysis to be conducted in several stages (Wasti et al., 2022). For example, the study team must collect and analyze both numerical and non-numerical data as prescribed by the design. This may be costly in case of budget constraints and limited time. Lastly, the appropriateness of mixed-methods design is never guaranteed because it mainly depends on the nature of the research questions. Some research questions may be subject to ambiguity which may not be effectively addressed by mixed-methods design.
2. Mixed method research has become increasingly popular in the field of social science and other areas of study because they provide an extensive framework for comprehending challenging research topics. This approach combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques to offer a more thorough and sophisticated knowledge of a particular issue.
Multiple benefits are provided by mixed research methods. By integrating quantitative data for statistical accuracy and qualitative data for perspective and depth, they provide a thorough comprehension of study concerns providing validity and reliability of the results. Qualitative approaches are particularly useful for complicated or understudied issues because they enable investigation and the discovery of unanticipated findings. Additionally, context is added to findings through mixed methods research, increasing their relevance for practical applications (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2019).
Comprehensive Understanding is one of the main advantages of a mixed methods research design. This attention to detail results from the integration of both quantitative and qualitative data, which enables researchers to go further beyond the most obvious conclusions. While qualitative data explore the “why” and “how” by revealing underlying meanings, motives, and context, quantitative data show statistical patterns and connections, providing answers to the “what” and “how many” questions. The findings are more solid and practical as a result of the holistic method, which guarantees that researchers get a thorough, multidimensional understanding of the topic under study. (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2019).
Exploration and discovery are fundamental benefits of using mixed methods research designs. Particularly making use of methods that are qualitative provides the flexibility to examine unforeseen factors of a research subject, leading to the discovery of additional patterns. This element is extremely useful when researching difficult or relatively unexplored subjects since it allows researchers to modify their questions and dive further into unexpected areas. Mixed methods research embraces the qualitative component, encouraging researchers to be open to different viewpoints, eventually resulting in a better and more comprehensive knowledge of the phenomena being examined (Johnson et al., 2021).
Research designs using mixed methodologies have various limitations. They may need a lot of time, money, and skill. Research durations may be affected by the complexity of combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. Furthermore, because qualitative research is subjective, there is a chance that the results may be biased (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2019).
In conclusion, mixed methods research designs that call for both quantitative and qualitative viewpoints provide a highly effective approach. They increase the validity and trustworthiness of study findings and offer a thorough comprehension of complicated events. They do, however, also have disadvantages, such as demands on resources, complexity, and possible bias. When considering whether to adopt a mixed methods approach, researchers must carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages and make sure they are prepared to handle the complicated processes involved. They may then use the advantages of both quantitative and qualitative techniques to better understand their research issues.
