Abstract:

There is a growing interest in using the mixed methods methodology in educational studies. A mixed methods research integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods in one study; and such integration requires explicit description. However, our observation is that many studies that have employed both qualitative and quantitative methods are regarded as mixed methods, despite not having indicated the point at which the two methodologies integrate. This can be confusing to emerging researchers and to students pursuing their post-graduate studies. In addition, this can be seen as a violation of and disregard for philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how two methodologies belonging to two differing paradigms could be integrated in one study. We shall exemplify this by considering how a questionnaire can be developed using this approach. Research processes in this paper can assist novice researchers and postgraduate students on how to use the mixed methods methodology, and how to develop instruments for their studies using this approach.

Keywords:

Mixed methods, Qualitative, Quantitative, Questionnaire development.