This website is using cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible on our website.
More info: Privacy & Cookies, Imprint
Mixed methods approaches in empirical social research combine quantitative and qualitative research methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. Here are some ways mixed methods approaches can be used in empirical social research:
Convergence design: In this approach, quantitative and qualitative data are collected and analyzed separately, and the results are merged at the end. For example, a quantitative survey could be conducted to identify general trends and patterns in a particular social phenomenon. Qualitative interviews could then be conducted to gain deeper insights and contextual information. Finally, the results of both methods are combined to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.
Explanation design: A qualitative method is used here to explain or deepen the results of a quantitative investigation. For example, quantitative data might show that there is a significant association between two variables, but the exact mechanisms or reasons for this association remain unclear. In this case, a qualitative method, such as focus groups or one-on-one interviews, can be used to get more in-depth explanations and improve understanding of the underlying processes.
Exploration Design: Here, a qualitative method is used to explore a specific phenomenon or research area, followed by a quantitative method to generalize the results. The qualitative phase can be used to generate hypotheses, identify constructs, or gather contextual information. The quantitative phase can then be used to apply the knowledge gained in the qualitative phase to a larger sample and to make statistically significant statements about the population.
Triangulation design: This approach involves the simultaneous use of quantitative and qualitative methods to improve the validity of the results. The different methods are applied independently and the results are compared to identify matches or discrepancies. This approach can help identify potential biases or limitations of a single method and increase the reliability and validity of the results.
These examples illustrate how mixed methods approaches can be used in empirical social research. Selecting the appropriate approach depends on the specific research question, the resources available, and the goals of the study.