Introduction
A research design can be understood as the general plan researchers use to systematically integrate different study components (Bhattacherjee, 2012). They are the backbone of research projects, encompassing every data collection stage, analysis, and interpretation. The editorial of John W. Cresswell and Abbas Tashakkori in the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (JMMR) focuses on the problem of how publishable mixed methods manuscripts are developed. It outlines the criteria for successful submissions to the journal, focusing on two main types of research designs: original and empirical studies and methodological and theoretical ones. This essay is a detailed look at the features and components of these research designs as described in the editorial.
Original/Empirical Studies
Authentic or empirical studies encompass a major area of mixed methods research, which entails a holistic approach to study research questions using qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. Such investigations provide detailed information on complex phenomena by integrating various data sources and analytical tools (Bhattacherjee, 2012). One element that stands out in the editorial concerns the design of original/empirical studies research.
Another key characteristic of original/empirical studies is the rigor and consistency of methodology. Researchers who carry out mixed methods studies must design studies that can combine quantitative and qualitative elements effectively without compromising the integrity of the results. This implies careful thought for the research design to choose the correct data collection methods, sampling strategies, and analytical procedures. Through strong research designs, original/empirical studies can achieve the credibility and reliability of the findings that would contribute to the development of the field.
Furthermore, original/empirical studies adopt the sequential or concurrent mixed methods design in which qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis occur sequentially or concurrently. In sequential designs, data of one kind is collected and analyzed before the other is followed. Thus, researchers can build upon the initial findings and borrow emerging themes in further detail (Jhangiani et al., 2019). In this case, concurrent designs combine qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, thus allowing researchers to triangulate findings and obtain a comprehensive insight into the phenomenon under investigation.
Also, the original/empirical studies mostly set techniques to guarantee the integration of qualitative and quantitative components. Integration could occur at different stages of the research process: data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The research systems may use data transformation, merging, or comparison to ease integration and synthesizing different methodological approaches. Qualitative and quantitative findings are well integrated into the original/empirical studies, meaning they are more comprehensive, resulting in a richer theoretical framework and evidence-based practice.
In mixed methods research, participants are often an integral part of the empirical/original studies focusing on participant engagement and reflexivity, which highlights the need for diversity of views and experiences in data collection (Creswell & Tashakkori, 2007). The researchers might use approaches like member checking, peer debriefing, and participant validation to substantiate the truthfulness and credibility of their results. Active engagement of participants in research processes renders original/empirical studies more relevant and practical, whereby the findings can be adapted to real-world contexts, thus making significant contributions to theoretical, practical, and policy knowledge.
Characteristics of Original/Empirical Studies
The characteristics of mixed methods research based on original or empirical studies have several specific features. The qualitative and quantitative components developed in the first place have their own particular research questions, methodologies of data collection, analysis, and inferences (Creswell & Tashakkori, 2007). In this respect, such studies are more than writing down two different research lines; instead, they combine these lines to give a detailed and inclusive picture of the phenomenon under investigation. It can be done differently by comparing or contrasting, integrating qualitative and quantitative findings, or using another style. Also, suitable mixed methods manuscripts of the empirical mixed method type benefit the existing literature on mixed methods research by supporting and building from the previous studies and their theoretical frameworks. This shows the understanding of the methodological debates and’ philosophical foundations within the mixed methods literature. Thus, the field is advanced both in knowledge and experience. Authors are expected to refer to appropriate literature and be involved in valuable discussions to contribute to a continuing conversation of mixed methods research.
Methodological/Theoretical Manuscripts
Methodological/theoretical manuscripts are important to the progress of mixed methods research since they shed light on the methodologies and theoretical foundations that drive such studies. Unlike primary/authentic studies that present empirical findings, manuscripts of a methodological/theoretical nature deal with discussions, analyses, and critiques of the methodologies used in mixed methods research and the theoretical models they are based on. These manuscripts participating in the methodological and theoretical discussion within the field offer diverse issues related to mixed methods research design. In these texts, a critical point discussed is handling mixed methods research. The authors may cover issues such as using qualitative and quantitative data together, choosing relevant research designs (for example, concurrent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential), and applying rigorous data collection and analysis methods.
Additionally, philosophical/methodological manuscripts investigate the underlying philosophical assumptions of mixed methods approaches. This involves inquiring about mixed methods research’s ontological and epistemological foundations, including realism, constructivism, pragmatism, and compatibility of the qualitative and quantitative paradigms. Through critical analysis of these philosophical underpinnings, authors add value to the ongoing discourse surrounding the essence and legitimacy of mixed methods research. Another relevant area of the methodological/theoretical papers is applying inferences in mixed methods research. Authors can look into how the findings from the qualitative and quantitative strands of the research are put together to form valid conclusions on the research phenomenon (Jhangiani et al., 2019). For this, strategies for triangulation, complementarity, expansion, and development within mixed methods studies will be discussed in addition to credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability considerations. In addition, theoretical/methodological papers may discuss the tools and technologies used by mixed methods researchers. That would involve assessing software programs for data analysis, survey design, and combining qualitative and quantitative data. Authors may present guidelines for researchers who intend to use these instruments properly within their mixed methods studies, focusing on problems related to usability, compatibility, and reliability.
Conclusion
Overall, the editorial in the Journal of Mixed Methods Research gives a good overview of the features and parts of original/empirical studies and methodological/theoretical manuscripts in mixed methods research. Studies of origin stress the importance of empirical research from different disciplines and use integrated qualitative and quantitative methods. Theoretical/methodological papers, on the contrary, help us broaden our knowledge of mixed methods research methodology and theories. Following the instructions identified in the editorial, researchers can develop mixed-methods papers that will be published and will also contribute to knowledge advancement in the field.
References
Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices. USA.
Creswell, J. W., & Tashakkori, A. (2007). Editorial: Developing Publishable Mixed Methods Manuscripts. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 107–111. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689806298644
Jhangiani, R. S., Chiang, I. C. A., Cuttler, C., & Leighton, D. C. (2019). Research methods in psychology. Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
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