Comparative analysis of mixed methods designs in the context of socio-psychological research

Abstract

Background. The special status of social psychology, due to its emergence at the intersection of sociology and psychology, gives rise to the need to search for new methodological solutions for research problems. Today in psychology there is a tendency to overcome the qualitative-quantitative dichotomy and a growing interest in “mixed” methods of research. In this regard, it is relevant to review existing works on mixed methods strategies and systematize the knowledge gained in the context of the identified issues. In order to include mixed strategies in research practice, it is essential to analyze the types of design that combine different types of research methods. Objective. The study had its purpose to conduct a comparative analysis of the mixed methods designs proposed by foreign researchers in the field of social sciences, as well as to develop an optimal mixed methods design model applicable to socio-psychological research. Method. The types of mixed methods design proposed by Morgan, Magetti, Cresswell and Clark were compared according to the following criteria: the stages of mixing qualitative and quantitative approaches, the time sequence of their application within the same research project, and the emphasis on the task specifics depending on the approach. Results. Based on the theoretical material and the results of a comparative analysis of the existing classifications, a mixed methods design model has been developed, which includes five types of design differing in the sequence of methods used, their priority, and the nature of the tasks solved: searching, constructing, generalizing, explanatory (quality-oriented and quantity-oriented). Conclusion. The proposed model of mixed methods design can be advantageous for socio-psychological research, since it allows to implement both objective and subjective data, combining them depending on the study objectives.

Keywords

• research design
• qualitative methods
• quantitative methods
• mixed methods strategies
• mixed methods design
• social psychology