MMR Research Proposal

Owned by Darlene Edgar
Nov 25, 2023
2 min read

(Leavy, 2021)

  • Mixed Methods Research (MMR):

    • Involves collecting and integrating quantitative and qualitative data in a single project.

    • Utilizes deductive and inductive designs to generate comprehensive understanding.

    • Aims to describe, explain, or evaluate a phenomenon.

  • Multimethod Research:

    • Involves using two or more methods within one research tradition.

    • Not the focus of the chapter, but readers will be equipped for multimethod design after reading specific chapters.

  • Structure of a Research Proposal:

    • Title, abstract, keywords, topic under investigation, research purpose statement, research questions and hypotheses, philosophical statement, theoretical perspective, literature review, research plan design and methods of data collection, sampling and participants, data analysis and interpretation strategies, representation, ethics statement.

  • Research Proposal Details:

    • MMR titles should clearly state the main problem and the mixed methods design.

    • Abstract provides an overview of the study, including the problem, purpose, methods, participants, and justification for a mixed methods approach.

    • Keywords highlight main problem, guiding theory, and mixed methods design.

    • Topic under investigation is problem-centered, addressing social, practical, and disciplinary aspects.

    • Research purpose statement outlines primary objectives, participants, methods, design, and theoretical framework.

    • Research questions encompass quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods questions.

  • Capabilities of MMR:

    • Addresses exploratory, explanatory, and confirmatory questions.

    • Provides stronger inferences by integrating multiple strands of study.

    • Allows diverse perspectives on the research issue.

  • Philosophical Statement and Theoretical Perspective:

    • MMR is problem-centered, not committed to a specific philosophical belief system.

    • Pragmatism, a prevailing norm, emphasizes the instrumental value of theories in different research contexts.

  • Literature Review:

    • Synthesizes recent and landmark studies.

    • Identifies gaps and explains how the proposed study contributes to the existing research.

    • Considers relevant theories and conceptual frameworks.

  • Research Plan Design and Methods of Data Collection:

    • MMR studies may use various quantitative and qualitative methods.

    • Three primary design types: sequential, convergent, and nested.

    • Integration of datasets is crucial; four types of integration explained.

    • Advanced planning based on intent is emphasized.

  • Sampling and Participants:

    • Describes the populations of interest and sampling strategies.

    • MMR may use equally sized samples for both phases.

  • Data Analysis and Interpretation Strategies:

    • Quantitative and qualitative data are prepared and organized.

    • Five integration frameworks: corroboration, elaboration, initiation, complementarity, contradiction.

    • Addressing comparability and data transformation.

    • The importance of advanced planning for successful integration.

  • Representation:

    • Findings may be represented in various formats (journal article, conference presentation, etc.).

    • Describes how to represent qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods findings.

  • Ethics Statement:

    • Addresses values, ethical praxis, and reflexivity.

    • Covers institutional review board approvals, informed consent, permissions, relational ethics, and representation of findings.

  • Conclusion:

    • Research proposal elements are summarized for clarity.