ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss mixed methods research, a framework which allows social justice researchers to combine quantitative methods with qualitative methods to address social issues. We begin the chapter by introducing the reader to triangulation, which is a commonly used research strategy to examine a phenomenon from multiple viewpoints and perspectives. We share the advantages of mixed methods research, including that they can help increase the validity of the findings, help address contradictions, incorporate participants’ voices, and strengthen research conclusions. However, we also draw attention to their complex designs that require large samples and additional resources to support multidisciplinary teams. We believe that quantitative criticalists can benefit from incorporating qualitative methods, which can help provide rich descriptions of complex phenomena by capturing nuances and intricacies that cannot be adequately captured using numerical data. While qualitative research offers flexibility through emergent design, inductive reasoning, and naturalistic inquiry, it also involves reflexivity and subjective interpretations. Qualitative methods that are commonly used within Communication research such as textual analysis, ethnography, in-depth interviewing, focus group discussions, and arts-based research are elaborated upon. The different types of mixed method designs: concurrent, sequential, staged, and embedded designs are explained. The chapter concludes with reflections issues such as cultural sensitivity, data management, ethical dilemmas, community involvement, and long-term commitment, which are important factors to consider when conducting mixed methods research in social justice contexts.
