There are two main methods employed when conducting a study; qualitative methods and quantitative methods. However, in recent years researchers have combined the two research methods in a single study. This has led to the development of another research methodology referred to as integrated research design. Health practitioners have also embraced integrated research design when conducting their research. This paper seeks to explore the benefits of an integrated design that have led to this trend.
Firstly, narratives and pictures can supplement numbers thus giving them meaning. Although a quantitative research design may enable a researcher to analyse the presence and nature of relationship between variables, the researcher must use narrative to explain the relationship and reasons for the observed behaviour. Therefore, the study assumes an integrated design. Secondly, an integrated research method can answer a wider range of research questions since the researcher is not restricted to a single approach. Thirdly, a researcher can take advantage of triangulation by using an integrated research design. Triangulation refers to corroboration and convergence of findings hence resulting in stronger research evidence to form a conclusion. Lastly, researchers use integrated research methods for complimentary benefits. Qualitative research design and quantitative research designs have unique strengths and weaknesses. By using an integrated approach, a researcher is able to overcome some weaknesses of each method.
A report by commissioned the National Institute of Health (NIH) revealed that evidence from published literature shows that health- related research in the recent years have embraced integrated research design. The analysed studies were not only limited to clinical settings but also social settings. The report was intended to develop a guideline for using integrated research design and suggesting best practises that can be embraced.
References
Creswell, J. W., Klassen, A. C., Clark, V. P., & Smith, K. C. (2010, November 10). Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences. Retrieved April 24, 2013, from http://obssr.od.nih.gov: http://obssr.od.nih.gov/mixed_methods_research/pdf/Best_Practices_for_Mixed_Methods_Research.pdf
Gliner, J. A., & Morgan, G. A. (2005). Research Methods in Applied Settings: An Integrated Approach to Design and Analysis, Second Edition (Illustrated ed.). London: Routledge.
