The mixed methods research design was selected for this study because it
permitted the use of data collection from more than one resource. Creswell (2003)
reported this method allowed the researcher liberty to make choices and the opportunity
to gather information from varying resources. Data was obtained through the use of the
Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (Avolio & Bass, 2004a), along with semistructured
interviews. The purpose of a mixed methods study is to create a clearer understanding of
the research problem by integrating both quantitative data and qualitative data. The
quantitative data was gathered through the use of the Multifactor Leadership
Questionnaire (Avolio & Bass, 2004a), while the qualitative data was derived from the
interviews. By analyzing and comparing both forms of data, I was able to discover a
greater association regarding the characteristics and behaviors of effective school leaders.
This design provided the data necessary to present results which supported the purpose of
this study.