RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
4.4 RESEARCH APPROACH
4.4.3 The mixed methods research approach
The mixed methods research approach draws upon the principles and strengths of both qualitative and quantitative methods, recognising the existence and importance of the physical, natural world as well as the importance of reality and the influence of human experience (Creswell et al. 2003; Grafton et al., 2011; Onwuegbuzie and Johnson, 2006). Mixed methods
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research combines quantitative (interpretivist views) and qualitative research (positivist views) in the same study or a series of studies, in the collection of data, analysis and drawing inferences (Johnson et al., 2007; Swanson and Holton, 2005; Teddlie and Tashakkori, 2009), for the broad purposes of breadth and depth of understanding and corroboration (Johnson et al., 2007). The concept of mixing methods was first introduced by Jick (1979) as a means for seeking convergence across quantitative and qualitative methods within social science research, thereby addressing the issue of bias and weakness inherent in individual methods. The propagation of the use of mixed methods designs has most recently been stimulated by pragmatic issues, like the increasing demand for cost effective research and the quest to move away from theoretical research, to research which meets policymakers’ and practitioners’ needs (Ostlund, et al., 2011).
Swanson and Holton (2005) classified mixed methods research into different types:
complementary (which combines the results of one method with the results of the other method); development (which uses the results from one method to develop or inform the other method); initiation (in which the result from one method is recast to questions or results from the other method); and expansion (in which a different method is used to extend the breadth or range of inquiry). Plano Clark and Creswell (2015) further classified mixed methods research into convergent parallel, sequential, embedded, concurrent, multiphase, and transformative (see Plano Clark and Creswell, 2015:391–403 for discussion). Table 4.3 provides an overview of the characteristics of the different mixed methods research designs.
Holt and Goulding (2014) also introduced another variant of the mixed methods research approach – ambiguous mixed methods research (AMMR) arising from observations that most building and construction researchers failed to categorically and clearly state which research methods they intended to adopt, despite the actual approach employed being either of the quantitative or the qualitative research methods. According to Plano Clark and Creswell (2015), mixed methods research designs differ in terms of their priority, which refers to the relative importance of the quantitative and qualitative components for addressing the purpose of the study. Mixed methods can either be equal priority (quantitative and qualitative components of a mixed methods study are both equally important) or unequal priority (one of the components of the, for example the quantitative or the qualitative component, has a greater importance, while the other component has a lesser priority).
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Table 4.3: Overview of the characteristics of the different mixed methods research designs
Design intent Typical characteristics
Convergent parallel
To develop a complete and valid understanding
Concurrent timing Equal priority
Merging the quantitative results and qualitative findings during analysis and/or interpretation
Sequential explanatory
To explain the mechanisms or reasons behind quantitative results
Sequential timing Unequal priority
Connecting from the quantitative results to shape the qualitative data collection Sequential
exploratory
To test or generalize qualitative findings Sequential timing Unequal priority
Connecting from the qualitative findings to shape the quantitative data collection Embedded
experiment
To enhance a quantitative experimental study by including a secondary qualitative component to explore the procedures or process of the experiment
Concurrent or sequential timing Quantitative priority
Embedding a qualitative component into a quantitative experimental design Embedded case
study
To enhance a qualitative case study by including a secondary quantitative component to enrich the interpretation of the case
Concurrent or sequential timing Qualitative priority
Embedding a quantitative component into a qualitative case study design
Concurrent conversion
To identify quantitative relationships among variables that include at least one variable that is a quantification of qualitative findings
Concurrent timing Quantitative priority
Converting qualitative findings into a new quantitative variable and analysing that new variable statistically with other quantitative data
Concurrent multilevel
To examine multiple levels (for example, students, teachers, principals, and districts)
Concurrent timing Equal or unequal priority
Merging the quantitative results and qualitative findings from each level during analysis and/or interpretation Multiphase To conduct a program of studies aimed at
achieving an overall objective such as developing and evaluating a program
Concurrent and sequential timing Varies for each study in the program Connecting from each study to inform the later steps of the program development Transformative To conduct research that empowers
individuals and advocates for social justice
Concurrent or sequential timing Equal or unequal priority
Embedding a mixed-methods design in a social justice framework, which shapes all the design decisions
Source: Plano Clark and Creswell (2015:391)
Dainty (2008) affirm that most of the research within construction management can be considered social research, which focuses on understanding the structure and complex nature of interactions that shape the industry. He further argued that using a single methodology cannot adequately reveal the complex nature of these relationships. This is aligned to an earlier stance by Love et al. (2002) who also argued that if construction management researchers are
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to offer solutions to problems confronting the construction industry, there is the need to adopt a vigorous philosophical approach that takes into cognisance both ontological and epistemological perspectives.