Mixed method research is an approach where a professional researcher collects, analyzes and interprets data using both qualitative and quantitative means . In qualitative research, data gathered are in written or verbal form such as when using in-depth interview. In quantitative research, data collected are in statistical form (e.g., charts, graphs, etc.) such as when presenting survey results.
Ontology is the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of existence and being. Contemporary ontology collaborates with various disciplines . In ontological research, philosophers describe broad classification of entities and their most fundamental relationship. Most relativists usually use qualitative research methods because entities are socially constructed and situated, which are subject to in-depth description, analysis and interpretation. Qualitative method is more open and responsive to its subjects. On the other side, most positivists use quantitative methods for causal explanation, which usually results in numbers. Quantitative method is more direct in its approach such that results can be more readily analyzed and interpreted. It is also easy to replicate and to generalize because they make use of the irrefutability and objectivity of the scientific approach.
Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals about the theory of knowledge, especially, concerning its scope, validity and method. It seeks to find answer to questions such as what do we know, is what we know true, and the like . In epistemological research, philosophers make statement of facts about the nature of knowledge. Relativists assert that all knowledge are subject to interpretation; they use focus group interviews and similar qualitative tools for research. However, qualitative for research is more demanding and time-consuming compared to quantitative approach. On the other hand, positivists rely on the objectivity of the social construction of reality since people observe things in the same way. Apparently, a quantitative method is a much quicker and more straightforward approach than a qualitative method.
References
Steup, M., 2012. Epistemology. [Online] Available at: http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2012/entries/epistemology[Accessed 19 March 2013].
Terrell, S., 2012. 'Mixed-Methods Research Methodologies. Qualitative Report, 17(1), pp. 254-280.
Zhu, Z., 2011. After paradim: why mixing-methodology theorising fails and how to make it work again. Journal Of The Operational Research Society, 62(4), pp. 784-798.
