Central to any research study are good research questions. Mixed methods research questions are complex and are often difficult to grasp. When developing a mixed methods question, both qualitative and quantitative approaches must be used and integrated (Tashakkori & Creswell, 2007). One of the challenges in developing these questions is to determine whether to use separate qualitative and quantitative questions; or to develop one pure mixed methods question that reflects the nature of mixing the two designs together.
Developing Mixed Methods Research Questions
Tashakkori & Creswell (2007), suggest several strategies for developing mixed method research questions. First, the questions should incorporate the nature of data integration (mixing). Second, the research questions should include an “overarching” mixed methods question that links the qualitative and quantitative parts of the study. And third, the researcher must keep in mind that the nature of the research questions may be different between sequential and concurrent research designs.
Using these strategies will assist the researcher in the goal of mixed methods research, which is a more complete analysis of the research problem.
Mixed Methods Research Questions - Sequential Exploratory Design
Although there is a certain level of data integration using the sequential exploratory design, the quantitative phase of this approach serves as more of a support to the qualitative part of the research. The best research question is a procedural question based upon how the data will be mixed. In a sequential design, there could also be additional questions that arise from the initial phase of data collection.
Suggestions for developing sequential exploratory design research questions include the following 3 question approach:
- The first question represents the qualitative phase of the research;
- The next question represents the quantitative phase of the research; and
- The last question inquires about integration, or how the quantitative research will enhance the qualitative research.
Mixed Methods Research Questions - Concurrent Triangulation Strategy
For a concurrent triangulation strategy, the research question should embrace the qualitative and quantitative parts of the study (Tashakkori & Creswell, 2007). The whole idea behind triangulation is integration. A suggested question to include in this type of strategy is, “Do the quantitative results and qualitative findings converge (Tashakkori & Creswell, 2007)?"
Asking how the quantitative and qualitative findings converge will make the integration strategy clear. Data in the study will be collected concurrently and an attempt will be made to corroborate the quantitative and qualitative data. Consequently, the question must reflect the integration of the data, without making it appear that one data set is more important than the other.
A mixed methods study can benefit from having one clear mixed methods research question that focuses on integration. However, recent thought has leaned toward using one clear mixed methods research question along with separate qualitative and quantitative questions (Tashakkori & Creswell, 2007). Therefore, it is best for researchers to develop questions that include a combination of quantitative and qualitative characteristics.
Sources
- Tashakkori, A., & Creswell, J. W. (2007). Editorial: Exploring the nature of research questions in mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(3), 207-211.
Michele Whitney - Over 10 years of diverse professional experience, PhD candidate in Public Service with an undergraduate degree in Marketing and an MBA.
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