Mixed Methodology Neuman and Robson Ch 16 a

Mixed Methodology Neuman and Robson Ch. 16 (a brief lecture!)

Rationale l l l New thinking in research methods advocate the use of a mixed methodology An attempt to overcome the limitations associated with the use of either an exclusively quantitative method or a qualitative method. For example, examine Table 16. 1 for specific limitations of the research techniques we have discussed this semester…

Why Use Mixed Methods? l l l New thinking in this area tries to combine both quantitative and qualitative research styles in order to obtain “the best of both worlds” Can potentially avoid limitations associated with using a research method based on one particular method. However, in doing so we are dealing with two diametrically opposed epistemologies and it raises some difficulties….

Schools of Thought Quantitative Research -Meaningfully expressed by numbers -Provides counts and measures -Positivist orientation Qualitative Research -Meanings, concepts, and definitions -Quality assessed through words, images, and description -Interpretivist or critical orientation

Three General Approaches to Research (Revisited) APPROACH POSITIVISM CRITICAL INTERPRETIVE USUAL TYPE OF RESEARCH experiment, survey, cont. anal. historicalcomparative field research, interviews PERSPECTIVE technocratic transcendent TYPE OF LOGIC reconstructed logic-in-practice PATH linear non-linear /cyclical

Ideas and Theory The Deductive (Quantitative) Process l Ideas and theory come before empirical research l Ideas lead to refutation through research Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010 The Inductive (Qualitative) Process o Research leads to theory development o Research initiates, reformulates, deflects and clarifies theory

Distinctions between Quantitative and Qualitative Research l objective versus subjective l nomothetic versus idiographic l etic versus emic perspective

The Solution? Triangulation… Theories Multiple lines of sight Researchers Data Technologies

Triangulation: A Comprehensive Explanation l l See Triangulation by Alan Bryman at http: //www. referenceworld. com/sage/socialsci ence/triangulation. pdf Bryman (drawing on Norman Denzin) states that triangulation, “refers to the use of more than one approach to the investigation of a research question in order to enhance confidence in the ensuing findings” and is the primary rationale for multi-method research.

Norman Denzin (1970) on Four Types of Triangulation 1. Data triangulation, which entails gathering data through several sampling strategies, so that slices of data at different times and social situations, as well as on a variety of people, are gathered. 2. Investigator triangulation, which refers to the use of more than one researcher in the field to gather and interpret data. 3. Theoretical triangulation, which refers to the use of more than one theoretical position in interpreting data. 4. Methodological triangulation, which refers to the use of more than one method for gathering data.

Neuman and Robson on Methodological Triangulation l l Highlight the importance of priority and sequence in choosing a multi-method approach Which comes first…quantitative or qualitative? Or are to be used concurrently? These are important decisions that must be made in advance.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mixed Methodology Potential Strengths l To add richness to numbers or add precision to text l Numbers can strengthen grounded theory l Can address broader questions l Enhance generalizability of research Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2010 Potential Weaknesses o Added labour and expense to research o Explanations become more complex o Can lead to “epistemic prioritization” (i. e. the researcher reverts back to preferred method to resolve conflict)