Which research approach combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore a research question?

Mixed methods research is a research approach that intentionally integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research question. This approach is particularly valuable because it allows researchers to explore complex phenomena through different lenses. Qualitative methods can offer in-depth insights into participants’ experiences, perspectives, and motivations, while quantitative methods can provide statistical evidence that can help validate findings and assess the extent of phenomena. By combining these methods, researchers can capture the richness of qualitative data alongside the generalizability of quantitative data, leading to more robust and nuanced conclusions.

In contrast, qualitative research focuses primarily on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences without statistical analysis, whereas quantitative research emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis. Descriptive research, while useful for providing a snapshot of a phenomenon, does not inherently involve the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. Hence, mixed methods research stands out as the correct choice for an approach that synthesizes both types of data to enrich the investigation of a research question.