Designing Mixed Methods Research
According to Mertens (2014), mixed-method research is a process that involves more than just putting quantitative and qualitative methods in a single research. The integration of two or more methods together is applied whenever the methods complement each other. Furthermore, integration also depends on the nature of the research questions. The methods integrated together are not exclusively independent of each other (Mertens, 2014). In order to address other unrelated questions and fill gaps that have been left, the methods are arranged complementarily. In order to tackle research questions more effectively, the mixed method synchronizes two or more research methods so as to obtain appropriate results. The main feature of the mixed method is its eclecticism or methodological pluralism, which leads to the production of accurate results as opposed to the use of mono methods of research.
Research questions that involve the integration of quantitative data from surveys and questionnaires with qualitative data collected from interviews and focus groups can be effectively addressed using mixed-method research (Mertens, 2014). Because of the popularity, effectiveness and advantages of mixed methods of research, the focus has shifted from the use of mono methods to mixed methods research. According to Mertens (2014), mixed methods of research have been utilized in almost all the fields that focus on people, such as health research, psychology, and sociology. They are essentially suitable when addressing unexpected findings and potential contradictions. One of the advantages of using mixed methods is that it has been able to address the weaknesses of both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. Although mixed methods have several advantages, they also have weaknesses. Mixed methods are resource and time-consuming because of their complexity. In general, the use of mixed methods is convenient in many disciplines because of their utility and their ability to overcome weaknesses found in mono methods of research.
Reference
Mertens, D. M. (2014). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Sage publications.
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Question 
DESIGNING MIXED METHODS RESEARCH
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.
Designing Mixed Methods Research
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.
In this Discussion, you will explore the basics of mixed methods research designs, calling upon your growing understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research.
Post your response to the question, “To what extent is mixed methods research simply taking a quantitative design and a qualitative design and putting them together?” Next, explain the types of research questions best served by mixed methods research. Then, explain one strength and one limitation of mixed methods research. Finally, provide a rationale for or against the utility of mixed methods research in your discipline.
Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.
References/Resources
Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has some links 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 researcher links 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”