Mixed Methods Research Questions
Mixed methods research and explanatory research are two distinct approaches in the field of political science.
Mixed methods research involves the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research problem by combining the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. This approach allows researchers to gather rich, in-depth data through qualitative methods such as interviews or observations, while also collecting numerical data through quantitative methods such as surveys or experiments. The key characteristic of mixed methods research is its emphasis on triangulation, which involves comparing and contrasting findings from different methods to enhance the validity and reliability of the study.
On the other hand, explanatory research focuses on explaining causal relationships between variables. It aims to identify the factors that contribute to a particular phenomenon or outcome. Explanatory research typically employs quantitative methods, such as surveys or statistical analysis, to test hypotheses and establish causal relationships. The primary goal of explanatory research is to provide a clear understanding of why certain events or phenomena occur, and it often involves the use of statistical techniques to analyze large datasets.
In summary, the key differences between mixed methods research and explanatory research lie in their approaches to data collection and analysis. Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research problem, while explanatory research focuses on explaining causal relationships between variables using primarily quantitative methods.