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Mixed Methods Research for the Novice Researcher
Lynne S Giddings
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand
Barbara M Grant
Abstract
Mixed methods research is becoming increasingly popular in the health and social science disciplines. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the varieties of mixed methods designs.
We begin by situating mixed methods research in the context of a paradigmatic framework which assists a researcher in making decisions concerning the design of their study. Although the most commonly used mixed methods designs are underpinned by positivist/postpositivist assumptions, the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods can be used within any research paradigm.
Keywords
Mixed methods, qualitative research, quantitative research, paradigms, postpositivism
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