Mixed Methods Research Questions
Mixed methods research and political economy of health research are two distinct approaches within the field of political science.
Mixed methods research refers to a research design that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. It involves collecting and analyzing both numerical data (quantitative) and non-numerical data (qualitative) to provide a more holistic view of the research topic. The key characteristic of mixed methods research is its integration of different research methods to address research questions and generate more robust findings.
On the other hand, political economy of health research focuses specifically on the intersection of politics, economics, and health. It examines how political and economic factors influence health outcomes, healthcare systems, and health policies. This research approach often employs qualitative methods such as interviews, case studies, and policy analysis to explore the complex relationships between politics, economics, and health.
The key differences between mixed methods research and political economy of health research lie in their primary focus and research methods. Mixed methods research is concerned with integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of a research topic, while political economy of health research focuses specifically on the political and economic factors influencing health. Additionally, mixed methods research can employ a wide range of research methods, including surveys, experiments, interviews, and observations, whereas political economy of health research primarily utilizes qualitative methods to explore the intricate connections between politics, economics, and health.