Introduction
Ten points about mixed methods research to be considered by the novice researcher
Kathleen MT Collins
College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR, United States of America
Alicia O'Cathain
Medical Care Research Unit, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
PP: 2 - 7
Abstract
Our goal in writing this article is to present ten points that a novice researcher should be cognizant of when formulating, planning, and implementing a mixed methods study.
We provide rationales for why these points are important and a brief description of selective typologies that novice researchers might access to address these points when conducting mixed methods research.
Keywords
mixed methods design, research planning, research formulation
Article Text
Mixed methods research is a rapidly emerging research paradigm and, although various sources are available to assist the novice researcher in terms of books, (eg Creswell & Plano Clark 2007; Greene 2007; Johnson & Christensen 2008; Onwuegbuzie, Collins, Leech & Slate in press; Ridenour & Newman 2008; Teddlie & Tashakkori 2009) methodological articles, (eg Johnson & Onwuegbuzie 2004; Onwuegbuzie & Johnson 2006) and journal editorials, (eg Tashakkori & Creswell 2007) it might be quite daunting for the novice researcher to stay abreast of the emerging trends in the field of mixed methods research.
Therefore, our goal in writing this article is to present ten points that a novice researcher should be cognizant of when designing a mixed methods study in accordance to the following three phases: research formulation, research planning, and research implementation. Additionally, we present rationales for why these points are important, and a brief description of selective typologies that novice researchers might access when conducting mixed methods research.
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