Mixed Methods Research: Examples, Advantages and Disadvantages
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When planning a dissertation or research project, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is which research method to use. Should you focus on numbers and measurable trends, or dig deeper into people’s experiences and opinions? What if you want to do both?
That’s where mixed methods research comes in — an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative techniques to offer a more rounded understanding of a research problem. In this post, we’ll unpack what mixed methods research is, show practical examples, and explore advantages and disadvantages of this research method, especially for students writing dissertations at undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD level.
What Is Mixed Methods Research?
Mixed methods research is an approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis within a single study. Instead of relying on one method, you use both to explore a question from multiple angles.
Quantitative research deals with measurable data — numbers, statistics, patterns, and relationships.
Qualitative research explores meanings, experiences, and perspectives through interviews, observations, or textual analysis.
A mixed methods study, therefore, might collect survey data (quantitative) and follow up with interviews (qualitative) to explain why certain patterns occurred.
This approach is particularly useful when your research question cannot be fully answered using only one method. For instance, statistics might show that a new teaching approach improves student grades, but interviews could reveal how and why students found it engaging.
➡️ If you’re new to research design, you may also want to explore our related guide on the different types of research methodology in research.
Using Mixed Methods in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Research
Mixed methods research is increasingly encouraged at all academic levels because it demonstrates critical thinking, creativity, and analytical balance. For students, this approach can enhance both the credibility and depth of a dissertation.
Mixed Methods Research in Undergraduate Dissertations
An undergraduate dissertation might use a mixed methods approach to explore a straightforward but multi-dimensional question. For instance:
- A business student might survey 100 small business owners (quantitative) and then conduct a few semi-structured interviews (qualitative) to understand their motivations for adopting sustainable practices.
- An education student might use exam results to measure student achievement, followed by classroom observations to explore teaching strategies behind those results.
Mixed Methods Research in Master’s Dissertations
At postgraduate level, research questions become more focused and nuanced. Mixed methods allow students to test theories while also exploring their real-world implications. This dual perspective is especially valuable when making practical recommendations or policy proposals.
- A psychology student might run a controlled experiment on stress reduction techniques (quantitative) and then follow up with participant interviews to explore individual coping strategies (qualitative).
- A public policy student could analyse government statistics on social inequality (quantitative) and supplement them with stakeholder interviews (qualitative).
Mixed Methods Research in PhD Theses
Doctoral research projects are often interdisciplinary and deal with intricate systems, human factors, or multi-layered problems. Mixed methods can help reveal connections between abstract theory and lived experience.
- A PhD in sociology might combine national survey data with ethnographic case studies to explore patterns of inequality.
- A PhD in health sciences might use clinical trial data alongside patient narratives to assess the broader impact of healthcare interventions.
Examples of Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods research can take many forms depending on your discipline, but here are several illustrative mixed methods research examples that show how the approach works in practice.
Education
A researcher studying the effects of remote learning on student performance might:
1. Use quantitative data from student assessment scores to measure performance trends.
2. Conduct qualitative interviews with students and teachers to explore perceptions of engagement, motivation, and access to resources.
Public Health
A public health dissertation exploring vaccination uptake could:
1. Collect survey data on vaccination rates, demographics, and attitudes (quantitative).
2. Carry out focus groups to understand deeper beliefs and misinformation affecting decisions (qualitative).
Business and Management
In business research, mixed methods can capture both performance outcomes and managerial perspectives.
1. A researcher might analyse sales data or employee turnover rates (quantitative) and then interview managers to explore leadership styles (qualitative).
2. Another might use social media analytics alongside customer interviews to study brand perception.
Social Sciences
A sociologist investigating urban inequality could:
1. Conduct a large-scale survey on income, housing, and employment (quantitative).
2. Complement it with in-depth interviews to understand personal experiences of gentrification or displacement (qualitative).
Need further practical advice? Our post on writing your dissertation methodology could be a good starting point. Alternatively, read some Dissertation Methodology Examples to get an idea of how to structure your own methodology.
Advantages of Mixed Methods Research
The benefits and strengths of mixed methods research are widely recognised across academic disciplines. Below are some key reasons students choose this approach.
1. Richness and Depth of Understanding
By combining quantitative and qualitative data, you gain a fuller picture of your research problem. Quantitative data might show what is happening, while qualitative data helps explain why it’s happening. This can make your analysis far more persuasive.
2. Triangulation and Validation
Mixed methods allow you to triangulate data — in other words, to verify findings from one method using another. If both your survey and your interviews point to the same conclusion, it strengthens the reliability of your results.
3. Flexibility Across Disciplines
Mixed methods research is not limited to one field. It’s applicable to psychology, business, social sciences, health, and even humanities research. This flexibility makes it a practical choice for many dissertation topics.
4. Addresses Complex Research Questions
Some research questions are too complex to be answered by a single method. Mixed methods allow you to explore multiple dimensions — for instance, both statistical outcomes and personal narratives.
5. Practical and Theoretical Balance
Quantitative data often appeals to policymakers and funders, while qualitative findings provide context and depth for academic audiences. Together, they create a strong case for your conclusions.
Disadvantages of Mixed Methods Research
While mixed methods research has many strengths, it also presents challenges. Being aware of them helps you plan your study more effectively.
1. Time-Consuming
Collecting and analysing two types of data naturally takes more time. You’ll need to design both sets of instruments, recruit participants, and complete two analyses — all of which can stretch your project timeline.
2. Requires Broad Skills
You’ll need to be comfortable with both quantitative and qualitative techniques. For undergraduates, this might mean additional reading or seeking guidance from your supervisor to ensure your methodology is strong.
3. Data Integration Can Be Difficult
One of the biggest challenges is integrating your findings. It’s not enough to present numbers and then quotes separately — you need to weave them together in your discussion to show how each supports the other.
4. Possible Conflicting Results
Sometimes the quantitative and qualitative data point in different directions. Managing these inconsistencies — and explaining them clearly — can be challenging but is essential for research credibility.
5. Resource Intensive
Mixed methods projects often require more resources, whether that’s software (for statistical analysis and qualitative coding) or access to participants. For student projects with limited budgets, this can be a constraint.
When Should You Use Mixed Methods Research?
Mixed methods research is most useful when your research question benefits from both quantitative precision and qualitative insight. Consider using this approach when:
If your dissertation requires both evidence of trends and understanding of meaning — for instance, exploring how and why something happens — mixed methods are likely the best fit.
If you’re unsure whether mixed methods are right for your project, you can also explore our top 10 tips for writing your dissertation methodology for guidance on aligning your methods with your research aims.
FAQs About Mixed Methods Research
How do I know if a study is mixed methods?
A study is considered mixed methods if it deliberately combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis within a single research project. You’ll often see a clear explanation of how these two types of data complement or inform each other — for instance, when numerical survey results are followed up with interviews to understand the findings more deeply.
Is mixed methods research difficult?
Mixed methods research can be challenging, especially for students new to research design. It requires knowledge of both statistical analysis and qualitative interpretation, as well as the ability to integrate different kinds of evidence coherently. However, with careful planning and support from your supervisor, it can be an extremely rewarding approach that strengthens your dissertation.
What are the three necessary characteristics of a mixed methods study?
Most scholars agree that a mixed methods study should have three defining features: Integration – The quantitative and qualitative components are combined meaningfully. Rigour – Both strands are conducted systematically and meet disciplinary standards. Purposeful Design – The methods are chosen intentionally to answer different parts of the same research question. Without all these elements, a project may simply have multiple methods rather than being truly “mixed methods”.
Can a survey be mixed methods?
Yes, surveys can be part of a mixed methods study if they include both closed-ended (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) questions. For example, a researcher might ask participants to rate their satisfaction on a numerical scale and then explain their answers in a short text box. The numerical data provides measurable trends, while the written responses add context and depth.
What are the instruments used in mixed methods research?
Instruments in mixed methods research vary depending on the study’s goals. Common quantitative instruments include questionnaires, structured tests, and statistical databases, while qualitative instruments include interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analyses. The key is that both sets of instruments are designed to explore the same overarching research question from different perspectives.
How do you analyse mixed methods data?
Mixed methods analysis involves examining both datasets separately and then integrating the findings. Quantitative data might be analysed using statistical tools such as SPSS or Excel, while qualitative data may be coded using NVivo or manual thematic analysis. The integration stage — where results are compared, contrasted, or merged — is crucial for showing how the two strands support or challenge each other.
Is mixed methods research more credible?
Many researchers believe mixed methods research can enhance credibility and validity because it allows for triangulation — using different types of evidence to verify results. When qualitative insights and quantitative findings lead to the same conclusion, it strengthens confidence in the results. However, credibility still depends on the quality of data collection, analysis, and interpretation in both strands.
Conclusion
Mixed methods research offers a powerful way to explore complex academic questions. By combining the statistical precision of quantitative research with the nuanced insight of qualitative approaches, you can produce a dissertation that is both credible and compelling.
That said, mixed methods projects do demand careful planning, clear integration, and sufficient time. If executed well, they can showcase your ability to handle complexity — a valuable skill for academic study and beyond.
