Mixed Methods
Mixed methods is a research methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches within a single study or series of studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena. It involves collecting, analyzing, and integrating both numerical data (quantitative) and textual or visual data (qualitative) to address research questions. This approach leverages the strengths of both methods while mitigating their individual weaknesses, often used in social sciences, health research, and education.
Developers should learn mixed methods when working on projects that require deep user insights alongside measurable data, such as in user experience (UX) research, product development, or data science applications. It is particularly useful for validating hypotheses with quantitative data while exploring underlying reasons or contexts through qualitative analysis, as seen in A/B testing with user interviews or analytics combined with usability studies. This methodology helps in making informed decisions by triangulating evidence from multiple sources.