What are the general advantages of conducting a mixed-methods study, rather than two or more different studies, to address a single research question?
Mixed methods is considered one method (not two separate) that integrates both qualitative and quantitative research with inherent dependency, such that one cannot be conducted without the other. For doctoral students, mixed methods research is often viewed as the pinnacle of research and; therefore, highly desired. However, mixed-methods is also the most complex and challenging form of research and is discouraged or not permitted within many universities. As such, whenever a sufficient level of doctoral rigor can be achieved using either qualitative or quantitative, alone, then that should be the focus to optimally achieve a “done” dissertation. I often advise students and clients to focus on doing what is required to achieve a doctoral degree, versus “boiling the ocean”.
Regardless, there may be instances whereby use of a qualitative or quantitative method, alone, is not adequate to achieve a sufficient level of doctoral rigor and mixed methods research may be required. I’ve participated in this situation once before, whereby, the student’s topic and associated quantitative research question would not have been sufficient for dissertation approval; therefore, a qualitative research question was added, exploring the why associated with the quantitative correlational finding. Together, these resulted in a dissertation worthy of doctoral research and subsequent approval.
In conclusion, it would be rare that a single research question would support a mixed methods study, in that each research question should be limited to a single question, versus multiple questions; therefore, if/when mixed methods is deemed necessary, suggest expanding to at least two research questions.
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