What is an example of a mixed-methods study?

A mixed-methods study effectively integrates both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. The combination of quantitative surveys, which can provide statistical data, with qualitative interviews, which can explore participants' perspectives and experiences in depth, allows researchers to triangulate their findings. This dual approach enriches the analysis and contributes to a more nuanced interpretation of results.

For example, in a mixed-methods study, a researcher might first distribute a survey to collect numerical data on a specific topic, such as attitudes toward a social issue. Following that, conducting interviews with a smaller group of participants can yield rich, descriptive insights that illuminate the reasons behind the trends observed in the survey data. This combination allows for both breadth and depth in understanding the research question.

In contrast, a study that uses only quantitative data lacks the qualitative insights that can explain the "why" behind the numerical findings. Similarly, a study relying solely on qualitative observations may not offer the statistical backing that can validate or generalize the results. Lastly, a study that only analyzes existing literature does not involve the collection of new data, thus not fitting the criteria for mixed methods.