Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches

By
Creswell
Summary of Book Chapter 1: The Selection of a Research Approach
Chapter 1 of Creswell's "Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches" explains in detail about the various research approaches. The chapter discuss in
detail about the three primary research methodologies: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed
methods, emphasizing the need for alignment between the chosen approach and the research
question, as well as the researcher's worldview.
The chapter reviews different philosophical stances, advanced types of qualitative, quantitative,
and mixed methods designs, and the methods associated with each design. It also considers the
factors that go into the choice of an approach to research. Overall, this chapter provides a basic
foundation for scholars to decide whether a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approach
is suitable for their proposed research.
OVERVIEW OF THREE RESEARCH APPROACHES
The chapter 1 provides a detailed overview of each research approach.
 Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using
statistical methods, making it suitable for hypothesis testing and population predictions.
 Qualitative research, on the other hand, deals with non-numerical data, such as text and
observations, and is employed to explore complex phenomena and generate theories.
 Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative methods within a
single study, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research
question by utilizing data from diverse sources
THREE COMPONENTS INVOLVED IN AN APPROACH
This section of the chapter 1 discusses three components integral to research approaches:
philosophical assumptions, research designs, and specific methods or procedures. It emphasizes
the need for researchers to consider their philosophical worldviews, research designs, and
methods when planning a study. The term "worldview" is used to denote a set of beliefs guiding
action, encompassing paradigms, epistemologies, and broadly conceived research
methodologies. The text explores four widely discussed philosophical worldviews:
postpositivism, constructivism, transformative, and pragmatism.
 1. Postpositivism: The Postpositivist Worldview
 Emphasizes a deterministic philosophy and reductionism.
 Focuses on empirical observation, measurement, and theory verification.
 Assumes an imperfect, fallible nature of knowledge.
 Advocates for careful observation, measurement, and objectivity.
2. Constructivism: The Constructivist Worldview
 Views humans as meaning-makers engaging with their world.
 Stresses subjective meanings, historical, and social perspectives.
 Embraces inductive theory generation based on open-ended questions.
 Recognizes the social and negotiated nature of meanings.
3. Transformative: The Transformative Worldview
 Advocates for political change and confronts social oppression.
 Integrates theoretical perspectives like feminism and critical theory.
 Focuses on marginalized groups, emphasizing equity and social action.
 Encourages collaborative research to avoid further marginalization.
4. Pragmatism: The Pragmatic Worldview
 Highlights freedom of choice for researchers in methods and procedures.
 Sees truth as what works at the time and emphasizes consequences.
 Encourages pluralistic approaches, drawing from both quantitative and qualitative
assumptions.
 Acknowledges the social, historical, and political context of research.
The Chapter suggests that researchers explicitly state their philosophical worldviews when
proposing research, providing clarity on the chosen approach. It further emphasizes the
importance of aligning philosophical assumptions with research designs and methods to create a
comprehensive plan for conducting research.
RESEARCH DESIGNS
According to Creswell, research designs go beyond the selection of qualitative, quantitative, or
mixed methods studies, encompassing specific types of inquiry within these approaches. The
available designs have evolved with advancements in computer technology, data analysis, and
novel social science research procedures.
 1. Quantitative Designs
Quantitative research strategies, rooted in the postpositivist worldview, emerged from
psychology during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Notable designs include true experiments,
quasi-experiments, applied behavioral analysis, causal-comparative research, and correlational
designs. Recent developments involve complex experiments, factorial designs, and sophisticated
statistical modeling techniques. This section focuses on surveys and experiments.
1. Survey Research:
 Provides a numeric description of trends, attitudes, or opinions.
 Utilizes questionnaires or structured interviews for data collection.
 Aims to generalize findings from a sample to a population.
2. Experimental Research:
 Investigates the influence of specific treatments on outcomes.
 Involves true experiments with random assignment and quasi-experiments with
nonrandomized assignments.
 Includes single-subject designs for individual or small-group studies.
2. Qualitative Designs
Qualitative research, originating from anthropology, sociology, humanities, and evaluation, has
witnessed increased clarity and diversity in approaches. The section outlines narrative research,
phenomenological research, grounded theory, ethnography, and case studies.
1. Narrative Research:
 Studies individuals' lives through storytelling.
 Involves collaboration between participants and researchers in crafting narratives.
2. Phenomenological Research:
 Describes lived experiences of individuals.
 Emphasizes philosophical underpinnings and often employs interviews.
3. Grounded Theory:
 Derives a general, abstract theory grounded in participants' views.
 Involves multiple stages of data collection and category refinement.
4. Ethnography:
 Studies shared patterns in behaviors, language, and actions of cultural groups.
 Conducts prolonged observations and interviews in a natural setting.
 5. Case Studies:
 Offers in-depth analysis of a program, event, or individual.
 Collects detailed information through various procedures over time.
3. MIXED METHODS DESIGNS
Mixed methods research involves the integration of qualitative and quantitative data. Emerging
in the late 1980s, it addresses biases and weaknesses associated with individual methods. The
discussion covers convergent parallel, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential mixed
methods designs, along with transformative, embedded, and multiphase designs.
1. Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods:
 Merges quantitative and qualitative data for comprehensive analysis.
 Resolves contradictions or incongruent findings.
2. Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods:
 Begins with quantitative research, followed by qualitative research to explain
results.
 Common in fields with a strong quantitative orientation.
3. Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods:
 Initiates with qualitative research, followed by quantitative research to explore
findings.
 Addresses challenges in focusing on appropriate qualitative findings and sample
selection.
4. Transformative Mixed Methods:
 Integrates quantitative and qualitative data with a theoretical lens from social
justice or power.
 Data may converge or be ordered sequentially.
5. Embedded Mixed Methods:
 Integrates either quantitative or qualitative data within a larger design.
 Data sources play a supporting role in the overall design.
6. Multiphase Mixed Methods:
 Utilizes concurrent or sequential strategies over time for a comprehensive
understanding.
 Common in the fields of evaluation and program interventions.
RESEARCH METHODS
The framework of research methods encompasses the specific approaches to data collection,
analysis, and interpretation in a study. Researchers consider various factors such as the
predetermined nature of methods, the use of closed-ended versus open-ended questioning, and
the focus on numeric versus nonnumeric data analysis. The methods range from structured
instruments or tests to unstructured observations or open-ended interviews. The choice of
methods depends on whether the goal is to specify information in advance or allow it to emerge
during the study. Data can be numeric (from instrument scales) or nonnumeric (text recording
participant voices), and researchers interpret statistical results or emerging themes and patterns.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A RESEARCH APPROACH:
1. Research Problem and Questions:
 The research problem, arising from a void or conflict in the literature, can guide the
choice of a research approach.
 Specific social research problems may call for quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods
based on factors such as outcome influence, intervention utility, or the need for
exploration.
 Qualitative research is valuable when exploring new concepts or phenomena where
existing theories may not apply.
2. Mixed Methods Design:
 A mixed methods approach is suitable when neither quantitative nor qualitative methods
alone are sufficient to fully understand the research problem.
 It is beneficial in scenarios where both generalization to a population and a detailed
understanding of a phenomenon for individuals are desired.
 Researchers may start with a broad survey and then follow up with in-depth interviews to
collect both quantitative and qualitative data.
3. Personal Experiences:
 Researchers' personal training and experiences play a crucial role in choosing a research
approach.
 Individuals trained in technical, scientific writing, and statistics may lean towards a
quantitative design.
  Those who enjoy literary writing, personal interviews, or close observations may prefer a
qualitative approach.
 Mixed methods researchers are individuals familiar with both quantitative and qualitative
research, willing to invest time and resources in large-scale projects.
4. Audience Considerations:
 Researchers write for audiences such as journal editors, faculty committees, conference
attendees, or colleagues, and their preferences can influence the choice of research
design.
 Students should consider the approaches supported by their advisers and the experiences
of their target audiences with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies when
deciding on a research design.
Research design most appropriate for their study
According to Creswell, researchers can determine which research design is most appropriate for
their study by considering several factors. These factors include the research problem or issue
being studied, the personal experiences of the researcher, the audience for whom the report will
be written, and the researcher's worldview or assumptions about research. Additionally,
researchers should consider the strengths and limitations of each research approach, as well as
the feasibility and ethical considerations involved in conducting the study. Researchers may also
consult with colleagues, mentors, or other experts in the field to obtain feedback and guidance on
the selection of a research design. Ultimately, the choice of research design should be based on a
careful consideration of the research problem, the research questions or hypotheses, and the
practical and ethical considerations involved.
In conclusion, Chapter 1 lays a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of research
design and encourages researchers to make informed decisions based on the unique
characteristics of their research questions, objectives, and contextual considerations.