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Researchers can build research designs using mono, multi and mixed method research design. The data collection methods and research design should align with the research objectives. Mono methods pertain to the single data collection technique and data analysis procedure. Multi-method research design uses multiple data collection techniques coupled with analysis. A mixed method research design combines quantitative and qualitative research in a unified research design. This article will discuss mono, multi and mixed method research design.

What Is Mono Method Research Design?

Mono methods research design uses only one type of data collection method, either quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative data refers to numerical data, and qualitative data refers to the data expressed through words and texts. Mono methods research design for quantitative research chooses one single type of data collection strategy based on the philosophy of research.

For example, if the research philosophy is positivist, then the research will use deductive reasoning. The data collection method will be in the form of questionnaires. Questionnaires as a data collection tool help the researcher collect quantitative data. Furthermore, researchers use statistical tools for data analysis and provide objective data to test for cause and effect.

On the other hand, mono methods research design that uses a qualitative method also requires the determination of single research philosophy. For example, the researcher can choose to use interpretivist philosophy that will guide the entire research process.

Interpretivist paradigms entail inductive reasoning, and the researcher uses interviews as a data collection tool. Researchers collect qualitative data with the help of interviews. The qualitative data is subjected to thematic analysis involving searching for patterns and themes or using pre-defined themes to evaluate the dataset. Therefore, getting dissertation proposal help really matters for it.

What Is A Multi-Method Research Design?

The phrase “multi-method” describes combinations when more than one data gathering methodology is employed, along with accompanying analysis approaches. Still, it is limited to either a quantitative or qualitative approach. This method does not combine quantitative and qualitative approaches and procedures.

Multi-method data collection in qualitative research involves the utilisation of multiple methods either for data collection and/or analysis. For example, if the researcher chooses to approach the research problem with an interpretivist approach, he or she can use inductive reasoning. However, the researcher can use multiple data collection methods such as interviews and focus groups to arrive at qualitative data.

The ensuing analysis can be thematic analysis or content analysis. The researcher can also use both data analysis methods: thematic and content analysis. Similarly, a researcher can use interviews as a data collection tool but employ thematic and content analysis for data evaluation.

What Is A Mixed Method Research Design?

A mixed method research design combines qualitative and quantitative elements to address the research question. Mixed techniques, which include the benefits of both methodologies, can provide you with a broader overview than a single quantitative or qualitative study. Research using mixed method research design is a popular methodology in the social and natural sciences.

Researchers use mixed methods research if the quantitative and qualitative approaches cannot tackle the research problem. The term mixed method research design refers to the employment of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and the appropriate analytical procedures in a study design.

While using quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods and analysis procedures concurrently or one after the other, mixed-methods research does not merge them. Both quantitative and qualitative data are analysed quantitatively and qualitatively, respectively.

Researchers can use qualitative and quantitative research methods in conjunction with each other. The majority of the items on the questionnaires are quantitative, and they may be quantitatively analysed. In addition to quantitative questions, researchers can also ask qualitative ones that they can analyse qualitatively.

It suggests that quantitative and qualitative methods can be employed in tandem in a single mode (structured questionnaire) and one stage of data collection, with one methodology supporting the other. By combining the results, the study topic can be answered in a fuller and more thorough manner. It allows the researchers to explore a variety of perspectives to inform and reflect on their respective studies. A mixed method research design also enables the elaboration, enhancement, and clarification of meanings.

What Are The Principles For The Multiple And Mixed Method Research Design?

Researchers can follow two fundamental principles when using multiple and mixed method research design. The first design principle is to acknowledge and follow the key theoretical framework or purpose of the research and to follow its methodological presumptions. The analytical heart of the study is formed by the major theoretical motivation.

Which can be either quantitative or qualitative. Researchers choose the research method based on the research question(s) and hypothesis(es), and both of them direct how the researcher will collect the data samples and analyse them. For instance, if the main theoretical motivation is qualitative, the sample is usually modest and carefully chosen.

Due to sample errors, external baseline values must be accessible for the evaluation of quantitative data if the secondary component is qualitative. The sample must be specifically chosen from the primary inquiry if the quantitative theory is the major theoretical drive and the qualitative theory is the secondary theoretical motivation.

Recognising the function of the auxiliary or additional component is the second guiding concept in mixed method research design. The purpose of the secondary component is to enhance description, enable further research or preliminary validation of a nascent hypothesis, or evoke a viewpoint or perspective that the initial technique cannot obtain. The supplemental data informs the primary data and analysis.

What Is The Purpose Of Using A Mixed Method Research Design?

Researchers must determine the goals and objectives of the research if they wish to use a mixed method research design. It is important to align the research objectives with the chosen research methods. One of the primary motivations of researchers who use mixed methods research approach is to achieve the following fundamental concept:

Triangulation

The fundamental objective of mixed method research design is triangulation. It speaks of the agreement or concurrence between data collection and assessment of the same phenomenon. The precise method or format for data collection and/or analysis can change. The use of investigator triangulation, theoretical triangulation, or methodological triangulation, for instance, is sometimes claimed by researchers.

The convergence or confirmation of data concerning the same occurrence is referred to as data triangulation. When two or more investigators work together to collect and analyse the data, this is investigator triangulation. Using many theoretical frameworks to help conceptualise the study and analyse the findings is known as theoretical triangulation.

Conclusion

The use of mono, multi and mixed method research design depends upon the research problem and objectives. It is essential to align the research goals with the preferred research method. Researchers can follow the principles mentioned above to incorporate the research designs in their research.