The use of multiple approaches has increasingly been justified in terms of the likelihood of improving confidence in the validity of data and findings (Thomas, 2004). Triangulation is “the combination of methodologies in the study of the same phenomenon” (Denzin, 1978, p. 291). The idea can be used to cover: multiple methods in obtaining data (methodological triangulation); multiple sampling groups at different times or places (data triangulation); multiple observers or investigators (investigator triangulation); or multiple theories/perspectives (theory triangulation) in one study.
This study will use a multiple approach strategy built up from the survey- questionnaire method; and the ethnography- interview method to investigate TAM thus: a methodological triangulation approach was used.
Congruent Mixed Methods
Congruent design (Ivankova et al., 2006) is the marriage of two datasets, two parallel studies once the data has been analysed. Due to the timing and evolution of this dissertation and primary research along with the limitations of the author the congruent approach was more appropriate than the time-consuming sequential approach and the elaborate embedded approach.
Figure 7: Congruent mixed methods adopted from Creswell (2012)
Advantages and disadvantages of mixed methods approach
The combination of qualitative and quantitative research instruments is known as a mixed method approach. This is natural for the author who prefers to solve problems using both numbers and words; by combining inductive and deductive thinking. Ivankova et al. (2006) write that a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches provides a better understanding of the research problem than either approach can provide by itself. He goes on to align the mixed methods approach to the pragmatic philosophy as it “encourage[s] the use of multiple world-views is a practical and natural approach to research”.
On the other hand Greene & Caracelli (1997) oppose the use of mixed methods to all but the most skilled researchers as there are at least twice as many opportunities to make mistakes. Mixed methods are likely to take more time and resources and therefore dilate the research effort due to spreading of limited research resources (Bryman & Bell, 2007).
Next Section: https://jl00282.wordpress.com/dissertation-part-1/mixed-methodology-2/summary/
The New Exchange 