What is the history of mixed methods?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Social scientists have long used multiple methods in their research, but only in recent decades have some focused attention on how best to combine qualitative and quantitative methods to better achieve research goals. We have seen several examples in this book already of research that has employed more than one method to investigate the same research question. For example, in his ethnography in Oakland, California, Victor Rios (2011) conducted participant observation, focus groups, and intensive interviews. But what exactly does mixed-methods research mean? While there are many definitions of mixed-methods research, the operationalization provided by the National Institute of Health’s Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research is useful. It defines mixed methods as focusing on research questions that call for real-life contextual understandings?.?.?.?employing rigorous quantitative research assessing the magnitude and frequency of constructs and rigorous qualitative research exploring the meaning and understanding of constructs?.?.?.?intentionally integrating or combining these methods to draw on the strengths of each. (Creswell, Klassen, Plano Clark, & Smith, 2011)