Introduction
Through the module, I have developed a firm understanding of mixed method design as one of the methodologies used in the field of education. Mixed method research design can simply be described to be a method of inquiry that involves the use of both qualitative and quantitative design. The key elements that form the basis of its philosophical assumption include the method of data collection, data analysis, and the process of research. Within these key elements, a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative approaches is used. Mixed method is used in situations where the research problem cannot be understood when either qualitative or quantitative design is used alone. Additionally, I have learned about the three approaches in mixed method design in education. The three include exploratory, explanatory, and triangulation design. The paper will developed a detailed discussion of these three design approaches to mixed method design.
In module x RKA Quiz, I performed much better than earlier quizzes. I managed a score of 23 out 25 points implying that I only missed two items: questions 2 and 10. In question 2, it is false that hypotheses are developed in qualitative research before data collection begins, while in question 10, by mixing elements from both qualitative and quantitative designs, mixed method provides a study with both breadth and depth.
Exploratory Design
Exploratory design is the first type of mixed method design. It involves generating a qualitative research study based on the result from a qualitative research study. This implies that the interpretation of data is based upon qualitative study but uses the results of quantitative study. The result of quantitative method is used to develop that of qualitative method. Exploration is basically needed for a number of reasons including: little guiding framework, unknown variables, and lack of measures or instruments. Therefore, the design is best used when a researcher intends to test a measure or instrument because one is lacking or identify key variable in a situation where the variables are unknown.
Explanatory Design
It is a two-phased design which uses qualitative data to explain quantitative results. For instance, if a researcher intends to explain surprising results, outliers, or significant results, he or she will have to use qualitative data. The design is also appropriate when a researcher intends to make groups based on numerical results and uses subsequent qualitative research to conduct follow up for the groups. The explanatory design method is almost clear to me however, I will need further clarification on the procedure and variants of the design.
Triangulation Design
The design is the most commonly used approach to mixed method design. Its aim is to use the same topic to obtain both varying and complementary data in order to build a better understanding of a research problem. It brings together varying strengths and weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative designs. It is used when a researcher intends to make a comparison of statistical results of quantitative research and the findings of qualitative research. Unlike the other two approaches, interpretation of data in triangulation design is based on the results of both qualitative and quantitative research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are instances when the use of either qualitative or quantitative method cannot help to build a clear understanding of a research problem. However, mixing the two methods can assist in developing a clear understanding of the research question. Throughout the module, I have managed to understand what mixed methods entails, when to best use it, and various types of design approaches to the mixed method design.
