Description

To what extent do postgraduate students understand the principles of mixed methods in educational research?

DAVID PLOWRIGHT

Centre for Educational Studies, University of Hull, East Yorkshire, England, UK

Abstract

In this article, the findings of a small-scale exploratory study investigating postgraduate students’ understandings of the use of mixed methods as a research strategy are reported. The empirical research was in two stages. Firstly, an on-line questionnaire survey was completed by 118 postgraduate students. That was followed by small-group, face-to-face discussions of 13 volunteers from the first stage. There is evidence from the findings. That there is some confusion and inconsistencies in the views of participants about the underlying methodological and philosophical principles associated with carrying out research in general and mixed methods research in particular. One source of the confusion might be the continuing use of the qualitative/quantitative distinction. It is recommended that a re-conceptualising of the research process is now needed, based on characteristics of integration and not just the mixing or combining of different approaches to research.

Keywords: mixed methods, research students, postgraduate, integrated methodology, education