Interaction of quantitative and qualitative methodology in mixed methods research: integration and/or combination

ABSTRACT

The interaction of quantitative and qualitative methodology in the mixed methods research (MMR) is analysed in a context of distinctions of the meanings between the terms typically used for description, combination, and integration. The interaction in the phases that precede the results, and their interpretation is considered. As an indicator of the quality of interaction, the identification of the two groups of procedures in the practice is used: procedures taken from quantitative and qualitative methodology and MMR-specific procedures. In total, 65 mixed methods articles (21 journals, 12 years) have been analysed. Results suggested that interactions that induce integration of quantitative and qualitative methodologies are more prevalent at the level of determination of the purpose and MMR model, than as a part of the research questions, and especially as a part of the research method. The findings are discussed in the context of the description and the possibility of improving the quality of interaction of the mentioned methodologies in MMR.

KEYWORDS:

• Integration
• combination
• interaction techniques
• mixed methods research

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. KoBSON (26 August 2020). Impact factor for 2018, based on five-year IF. Retrieved 26 August 2020, from https://ezproxy.nb.rs:2443/servisi/pretrazivanje_casopisa.84.html

2. Because of the sample size (N = 65) we have not presented data for each work separately in the table, that is common in similar studies.

3. The number in parentheses, in this paragraph only, indicates the number of research questions.

Additional information

Funding

The realization of this research was financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia based on the Agreement on the realization and financing of scientific research work of NIO in 2021 no. [451-03-9/2021-14].

Notes on contributors

Nataša Matović

Nataša Matović, PhD is associate professor at Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade. Her areas of research interest include measurement in educational research, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. Her most recent book ‘Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in Pedagogical Research’ was published by Institute for Pedagogy and Andragogy, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade in 2013.

Kristinka Ovesni

Kristinka Ovesni, PhD is professor at Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade. Her areas of research interest include human resource development, adult learning, organizational development. Her most recent book ‘Andragogical Aspects of Organizational Climate and Organizational Learning’ was published by Institute for Pedagogy and Andragogy, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade in 2019.