What is an outcome of effective mixed-methods research?

A comprehensive understanding of complex issues is a hallmark of effective mixed-methods research because this approach combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Quantitative methods allow researchers to gather numerical data, which can help establish patterns and generalizable findings, while qualitative methods deepen the understanding of context, meaning, and individual experiences. By integrating these diverse methodologies, mixed-methods research provides a fuller, more nuanced picture of the research question, accommodating the complexity of human behavior and social phenomena. This holistic perspective enhances the ability to draw informed conclusions and make recommendations based on a rich set of data.

This approach stands in contrast to a limited perspective, which may arise from using only one method that fails to capture the entirety of an issue. Mixed-methods research also does not inherently increase costs or time beyond that which might be already justified by the research's depth and rigor. Furthermore, it is designed to enhance relevance to actual practice through the integration of both statistical evidence and personal narratives, ensuring that findings resonate with real-world applications.