Discussion 1:
Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods research can be viewed as a synthesis of the more traditional approaches-quantitative and qualitative. To an extent, this research method depicts comparable elements from both approaches and is often viewed as a hybrid. However, mixed methods research is more than simply taking a quantitative design and a qualitative design and putting them together. Mixed methods research facilitates complex research questions, such as those translating research to practice and policy (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016). In essence, mixed methods research involves applying the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approach.
Distinctiveness Research Method
Mixed methods research is identified as the third paradigm and distinct from a qualitative or quantitative approach. According to Morgan (2007), this distinction can be examined within three contexts-theory-data connection, researcher-research relationship, and data-inference relationship. Regarding theory-data connection, mixed methods inquire adopts an abductive approach-integrating meanings of constructs (Burkholder, et al., 2016). In terms of how the researcher relates to the study, mixed methods research denotes an intersubjective perspective-integrating objectivity drawn from existing theory and subjectivity drawn from personal worldview. Therefore, when interpreting data using mixed methods approach, the findings are usually transferable within context-specific settings (Burkholder, et al., 2016).
Appropriate Research Questions
Certain types of research questions are best served by using mixed methods inquiry. In a sense, mixed methods research is an attempt to garner credence for the use of multiple approaches, when answering research questions (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). These research questions involve issues relative to a pragmatic, dialectical, and transformative perspective (Burkholder, et al., 2016). Hence, mixed methods research is more appropriate for complex questions that cannot be fully addressed by using only a qualitative or quantitative method. Also, mixed methods inquiry can be used to analyze the translation of research and policy to practice (Beidas, et al., 2013, as cited by Burkholder, et al., 2016). This research approach also addresses questions aimed at understanding conditions that are imperative for effective interventions.
Strengths and Limitations
The usage of mixed methods research is primarily dependent on the purpose of the inquiry. Generally, a research purpose influences how a research is designed and what methodology is applied (Newman, Ridenour, Newman, and DeMarco, 2003, as cited by (Burkholder, et al., 2016). Hence, there are strengths and limitations associated with applying mixed methods to research. On the one hand, one of the more notable strengths is that a mixed method approach can provide stronger conclusive evidence through convergence and corroboration of findings (Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). On the other hand, this research approach is limited, in that it difficult for a single researcher to conduct both a qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Using Mixed Methods Research in Public Administration
Mixed methods research provides an inclusive framework that could prove beneficial to public administration. According to Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004), "Mixed methods research has a great potential to promote a shared responsibility in the quest for attaining accountability..." (pp. 25). The synthesized characteristic of mixed methods inquiry-- deductive and inductive-lends itself to a broader discovery that can be used to expand knowledge and better address complex issues. In addition, this research approach most appropriate for moving policy to practice (Burkholder, et al., 2016). Therefore, a rationale for utilizing mixed methods research in public administration is defensible.
Discussion 2:
A mixed method research design is a plan that utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to examine a question (Onwuegbuzie, A. J., 2004). In opposition to mainstream thinking, mixed methods aren't just about blending half of each outline to help with particular parts of a study. A mixed method uses a mix of the two and aims to investigate wonders, distinguish connections, and decide relationships between the topics being studied. The types of research questioned best served by mixed method directly addresses the mixing of the quantitative and qualitative strands of the research. For example, "in a two-phase study in which one phase builds on the other, the mixed methods questions might be placed in a discussion between the two phases" (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007).A strength of mixed methods is that a researcher would be able to use both statistical data and interviews from subjects to support his or her research. A limitation would be that a researchers theory could e upended if the quantitative data provided does not align with qualitative practices. Lastly, I don't think that there is a rationale for or against using any methods to conduct research. I think it is up to the researcher to decide what is best for him or her to use to defend their theory. I believe that as a scholar someone can curtail the facts or proof of research if they limit how they look for answers to a problem because bias at some point may slip in.