Mixed Methods

• What is meant by 'mixed methods'?

  • Using suitable Positivist AND Interpretivist techniques to research an issue
  • Methodological pluralism + triangulation
• What is triangulation?

  Means of testing validity + reliability of methodology and data.
• 3 types of triangulation:(HINT: I, D + M)

  1. Investigator Triangulation
  2. Data Triangulation
  3. Methodological Triangulation
• Investigator triangulation

  Using diff. researchers
• Data triangulation

  Using data collected at diff. times by diff. ppl in diff. places - e.g. using 1° + 2° data
• Methodological triangulation

  Combining research techniques + cross-referencing data
• PRO + CON of triangulation

  +VE: Strengths of 1 method can complement the weaknesses of another

  -VE: Time-consuming, and doesn't resolve the drawbacks of any methods
• What is methodological pluralism?

  • Deepening/enriching research data and the conclusions you get from it
  • Combining diff research methods + types of data
• Which study used methodological pluralism?

  Eileen Barker's 'The Moonies'

  • Interviews, participant observation + questionnaires
• CONs of mixed methods?

  • Exp. £
  • Produce large vols. of data that are hard to analyse
  • Produce contradictory findings; hard to decide what should be kept or discarded
  • Not all research methods will be prioritised equally