Both quantitative and qualitative research designs contain valuable design strategies. However, a third design strategy that can be very useful is the mixed-methods design, in which the researcher combines both the quantitative and qualitative techniques in a single study. Review the mixed-methods approach to understand its application in human services.

Part 1 Tasks: In a mixed-methods design strategy:

1. Share the strengths and weaknesses of this type of research design.

2. Explain whether you would prefer using the mixed-methods methodology if you go on to conduct human services research one day. Why or why not?

Part 2 Locate a research study in which a mixed-methods design was used and address the following:

• How were the quantitative and qualitative techniques employed in the study?

• Why do you think the researcher chose a mixed-methods study over a complete quantitative or qualitative design? If you were the researcher, would you have also chosen to use the mixed-methods design? Why or why not?

One Reference: Reading and Understanding Research

3rd ed.

Lawrence F. Locke

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Stephen J. Silverman

Teachers College, Columbia University

Choose he others.

Be specific in addressing each and every question