Mixed Methods Research Questions Long
In Mixed Methods Research, there are three main types of research objectives that researchers can pursue. These objectives are often used to guide the design and implementation of the study, as well as to determine the overall purpose and goals of the research. The three types of research objectives in Mixed Methods Research are exploratory, explanatory, and evaluative objectives.
1. Exploratory Objectives: Exploratory objectives are commonly used in the initial stages of a research study when the topic is relatively new or not well understood. The main aim of exploratory objectives is to gain a deeper understanding of the research problem or phenomenon under investigation. Researchers use exploratory objectives to explore and identify new ideas, concepts, or relationships that may exist within the research topic. This type of objective often involves qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, or observations to gather rich and detailed data. Exploratory objectives help researchers generate hypotheses or research questions for further investigation.
2. Explanatory Objectives: Explanatory objectives are used when researchers aim to explain the relationships between variables or phenomena. This type of objective seeks to understand the causes and effects of certain phenomena or to test existing theories or hypotheses. Explanatory objectives often involve both qualitative and quantitative methods, allowing researchers to gather a comprehensive set of data. Qualitative methods can be used to explore the context and provide in-depth insights, while quantitative methods help to measure and analyze the relationships between variables. By combining both approaches, researchers can provide a more robust and nuanced explanation of the research problem.
3. Evaluative Objectives: Evaluative objectives are employed when researchers aim to assess the effectiveness or impact of a particular intervention, program, or policy. This type of objective focuses on evaluating the outcomes or effects of a specific intervention or policy and determining whether it has achieved its intended goals. Evaluative objectives often involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data on both the process and the outcomes of the intervention. Qualitative methods can be used to gather stakeholders' perspectives, understand the implementation process, and identify unintended consequences. Quantitative methods, such as surveys or experiments, are used to measure the impact or effectiveness of the intervention quantitatively. Evaluative objectives are particularly useful for informing decision-making and improving future interventions or policies.
It is important to note that these three types of research objectives are not mutually exclusive, and researchers may combine them in a single study to address different aspects of the research problem. The choice of research objectives depends on the research question, the available resources, and the overall purpose of the study. By employing mixed methods, researchers can leverage the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem and provide valuable insights for theory development, policy-making, or practical applications.