Your textbook covers both quantitative and qualitative research designs in detail, both of which contain valuable design strategies. However, a third design strategy that can be very useful is the mixed-methods design, in which the researcher combines both the quantitative and qualitative techniques in a single study.

In this assignment, you will review the mixed-methods approach to understand its application in human services.

Tasks:

Search the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet to learn more about the mixed-methods design strategy. In a minimum of 200 words, post your responses to the following:

• Share what you have learned about the mixed-methods strategy, including the strengths and weaknesses of this type of research design.
• Explain whether you would prefer using the mixed-methods methodology if you go on to conduct human services research one day. Why or why not?

Now, using the Argosy University online library resources, locate a research study in which a mixed-methods design was used and address the following:

• How were the quantitative and qualitative techniques employed in the study?
• Why do you think the researcher chose a mixed-methods study over a complete quantitative or qualitative design? If you were the researcher, would you have also chosen to use the mixed-methods design? Why or why not?