Mixed Methods as a “Method” Paradigm or “Method Use” Paradigm?
Mixed methods research indeed has merits as has been demonstrated in the applications of this approach in theory-driven evaluation. An important issue is how to position mixed methods in the arena of research methodology. Advocates of mixed methods have different views on this issue. For example, some might argue for mixed methods as an additional method paradigm to the existing qualitative or quantitative paradigm. Others might claim that mixed methods is a new method paradigm that is superior to the qualitative or quantitative paradigm and perhaps can be used to replace those “outdated” approaches.