A Synergistic Approach

Abstract

No mixed methods research design blends typological and systemic approaches into a cohesive, multifaceted whole. A synergistic approach to mixed methods research uses the inherent strengths of both types of approaches, providing researchers with a comprehensive framework for making pivotal research design decisions. Grounded in both philosophy and practice, this approach enables researchers to identify what will be researched, how it will be researched, and why the research will be undertaken in their chosen way. Presented as a set of core principles and a conceptual framework, its practical application is illustrated through the authors' experience of mixing methods in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The synergistic approach discussed in this article offers researchers an alternative mixed methods research approach.

Establishing Interpretive Consistency When Mixing Approaches: Role of Sampling Designs in Evaluations

“…Each dimension of the typology is an aspect of published sampling frameworks (i.e., Kemper, Stringfield, & Teddlie, 2003;Teddlie & Yu, 2007), and different types of For more information see Collins (2010) generalizations and transferences (i.e., Curtis, Gesler, Smith, & Washburn, 2000;Firestone, 1993;Kennedy, 1979;Miles & Huberman, 1994;Stake, 2005). Subsequently, the crafting of this integrative framework embodies a systemic approach; this is an approach that is recommended by critics who view utilization of a single typology as being too restrictive given the diversity of mixed designs and the emergent characteristic of a mixed inquiry (Hall & Howard, 2008;Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2009). Table 8.1, adapted from Collins (2010), identifies the typology' s dimensions.…”

Collaboration Patterns Among Mixed Researchers: A Multidisciplinary Examination

“…The following qualitative research question was addressed: 1) What are select leading mixed researchers' experiences conducting mixed research alone versus conducting mixed research in teams? Hall and Howard (2008) conceptualized the following core principles for synergistic approaches: (a) mixing quantitative and qualitative research approaches culminates in a mixed research study wherein both the research process and findings are superior than would have been obtained if an individual approach had been undertaken; (b) using a dialectic approach to research, wherein multiple research findings are intertwined; (c) considering of equal importance quantitative and qualitative research approaches; and (d) balancing opposing quantitative-qualitative viewpoints (e.g., using intersubjectivity to balance claims about subjectivity and objectivity; cf. Morgan, 2007).…”

“…Morgan, 2007). Hall and Howard (2008) further contended that implementing a synergistic approach to mixed research is likely to necessitate collaboration and cooperation among researchers. Thus, with regard to the quantitative (i.e., bibliometric) phase, the following research hypotheses were tested: 1) There is a difference in the degree of collaboration between mixed researchers whose articles are published in select mixed research journals and quantitative researchers whose articles are published in select quantitative research journals.…”

Barriers to successful implementation of care in home haemodialysis (BASIC-HHD):1. Study design, methods and rationale

“…This choice evolves from a ‘pragmatist’ world-view which embraces paradigms that influence and underlie the conduct of qualitative and quantitative research methods, through a social science theoretical lens. The BASIC-HHD study will adopt a dynamic, synergistic approach [43] to the design process. This implies that, the sum of quantitative and qualitative research is greater than either approach alone.…”