Mixed research methods

Mixed research methods or multi-methodology is an approach to the collection data combining both quantitive and qualitative research theories. In theory this technique looks valuable and effective in collecting information providing details of both numerical and statistical foreground and also providing a backbone of human behaviour.

It provides a complete conclusion on the research data gathered and gives a more complete view and is used when either quantitive or qualitative don't provide a complete aim of which you were first attaining for prior to testing, it can identify a list of strengths and weaknesses when as a solo quantitative or qualitative method would be unseen.
It may also offer a route along which you can follow into deeper understanding as you have evidence from these two varying sources and may go beyond the single approach of quantitive or qualitative.   

In conclusion I believe that this method of mixed research is effective when one wants to gain a deeper understanding and a more specific identifiable response not attainable through quantitative or qualitative alone. 

Quantitive research

Quantitive research is a bi-polar opposite of qualitative research and involves the collection of data in numerical form and is more about a mathematical understanding to social science. Percentages and statistics are its preferred form of data collection giving an insight on numerical information behind a persons behaviour.
A huge part of quantitive research is based around creating models and hypothesis which in conclusion interpret the varying forms of data into an output of meaning and understanding.
These statistics gathered through quantitive research offer a varying different reality to information collected through qualitative research, offering results and information effective for statistical evaluation rather than behavioural understanding.

Methods of data collection in quantitative research include:

•  surveys (questionnaires)
•  structured interviewing
•  structured observation
•  secondary analysis and official statistics
• content analysis according to a coding system
• quasi-experiments (studies that have some of the characteristics of experimental design)
•  classic experiments (studies that have control groups and experimental groups).

(http://www.col.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/A5.pdf, Module A5 mixed research methods, Practitioner research and evaluation skills training in open and distance learning)



In conclusion quantitive research is an opposite data collection process that can in certain circumstances complement information gathered through qualitative research but offers a more mathematical statistical flow of information.

Qualitative research

Qualitative research is the term for collected information gathered as a research method based on the intended target to isolate humna behaviour and understand reasons and responses that govern so much of our everyday lives. Reasons as to how and why are all explored through this research method giving an overall map of responses human behaviour releases through social interaction.
Qualitative research is collected through field work based upon shadowing a small yet focused sample of people and can verify itself in forms of discussion, observations and collecting field notes. Again qualitive ressearch is more about understanding why, why do people behave and react the way they do to certain situations when faced with questions, what envelops and ultimately control them to make an informed decision, how is it diffrent to how someone else may do the same exact situation.  
This allows a deeper insight into the persons behavioural response that other methods may miss, focus groups aimed at indetifying a small group of people and listening and recording response to later analyse is very common.
Of course as with any other research method being utilised to explore social science qualitative research has its downfalls, being so focused on such a small group means this process is very labour intensive and can inflict a sense of bias among the pool of selected individuals.

Below is an itinerary of qualitative research methods:

• observation

• unstructured

•Structured 

•participant

• interviews (face-to-face, or through various technologies)

•unstructured (everyday conversation, life history narrative of key

informants; projective techniques)

•semi-structured (using an interview guide)

•individual     (an     in-depth        inter view)

•group (focus group)

• life history narrative focused on selected topics

• critical incidents

• structured (using an interview schedule)

• questionnaires given in meetings

• concept mapping

• recordings - audio and video with structured or unstructured analysis,

content analysis of talk and interaction

• case study

• action research

• documentary analysis.

(http://www.col.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/A5.pdf, Common wealth of learning, Unit 1: What are mixed methods)  




In summary qualitative research is effective in gaining realistic human response but due to its adversity and the level of man power needed to gain an insight for selected research component it may not be the correct way of approaching an understanding.

Brief

For this project i am going to research on several areas of interest within the study skills sector including; qualitative methods, quantitive research methods, mixed research methods and effective recording of research data such as note taking. I will also develop my own personal development plan that includes short, mid, long term goals and a time management plan together with my personal effective learning style.
Finally when all of this information has been collected and prepared i will present to the class.