A note on the mono method, mixed method and multi method in Research Methods

A note on the mono method, mixed method and multi method in Research Methods [information from perplexity.ai]

My question 1: "What are the mono method, mixed method and multi-method in research approaches all about, notably with reference to the disciplines of business management, housing studies and accounting and finance?"

The reply: "Overview of Research Approaches

Research methodologies in disciplines like business management, housing studies, and accounting and finance often employ various approaches to gather and analyze data. These include the mono method, mixed method, and multi-method approaches.

• : The mono method involves using a single data collection technique or analysis procedure. This can be either qualitative or quantitative15.

• : In business management, for instance, a researcher might use only surveys (quantitative) or interviews (qualitative) to study employee satisfaction.

• : It may not provide a comprehensive view of complex phenomena due to its reliance on one type of data.

• : Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques within a single study. This approach leverages the strengths of each method to provide a more nuanced understanding210.

• : A study on organizational change might use surveys (quantitative) to measure overall impact and interviews (qualitative) to explore specific experiences.

• : Researchers could combine statistical analysis of housing prices with case studies examining community perceptions.

• : A mixed-methods approach could involve analyzing financial reports quantitatively while conducting interviews with stakeholders qualitatively.

• : Multi-methods involve using multiple methods within the same category—either multiple qualitative methods or multiple quantitative methods8.

• : Using both focus groups and case studies as different qualitative methods.

• : Employing both statistical modeling and econometric analysis as different quantitative methods.

In accounting and finance, mixed-methods are beneficial for understanding complex financial phenomena by combining numerical data with stakeholder perspectives7. In housing studies, mixed-methods can help analyze policy impacts through both statistical models and community feedback9. For business management, multi-methods allow researchers to explore diverse aspects of organizational behavior using various tools within one paradigmatic framework.

Choosing between these approaches depends on the nature of the research question, available resources, ethical considerations, time constraints, budget limitations—and ultimately aims at maximizing validity while minimizing bias across diverse fields like business management, housing studies, accounting & finance36."

My question 2: "What are the research philosophies favored by these different research approaches?"

The reply: "Research philosophies underpin the mono method, mixed method, and multi-method approaches by guiding how researchers perceive reality and knowledge. Here's an overview of the favored philosophies for each approach:

• : The mono method can align with various philosophical positions depending on whether it is quantitative or qualitative.

  • : Often grounded in positivism or realism, which assumes that reality exists independently of our perceptions and can be measured objectively9.

  • : Typically rooted in interpretivism or constructivism, emphasizing subjective experiences and multiple realities9.

• : Mixed methods research often draws from two primary philosophical positions:

  • : Focuses on practicality and utility, combining quantitative (deductive) and qualitative (inductive) methods to achieve a comprehensive understanding9.

  • : While critical realism acknowledges multiple interpretations, it emphasizes that these interpretations are about an objective reality69.

Mixed methods also incorporate other philosophical stances like dialectical pluralism, transformative-emancipatory paradigms, which emphasize social justice issues56.

• : Multi-methods research typically operates within one paradigm but uses multiple techniques. It can be aligned with any philosophy depending on whether it employs qualitative or quantitative methods exclusively.

  • If using only qualitative multi-methods (e.g., case studies + ethnography), it might lean towards interpretivist principles.

  • If using only quantitative multi-methods (e.g., surveys + experiments), it could align with positivist views.

However, since multi-methods involve more than one technique from the same paradigmatic stance, they often reflect a pragmatic approach by acknowledging that different tools within a single paradigm can provide varied insights into a phenomenon.

In summary:

• Mono method: Positivism/Realism for quantitative; Interpretivism/Constructivism for qualitative.

• Mixed method: Pragmatism & Realism primarily.

• Multi-method: Varies based on the specific paradigm used but often reflects pragmatist ideals when combining diverse tools within one framework."

My question 3: "Is the research strategy of triangulation applicable in these research approaches?"

The reply: "Triangulation is indeed applicable across various research approaches, including mono method, mixed method, and multi-method. Here’s how triangulation can be integrated into each:

• : While the mono method typically involves a single data collection technique or analysis procedure, triangulation can still be applied by using different types of data within that single approach (e.g., data triangulation in qualitative research) or involving multiple investigators (investigator triangulation).

• : In a qualitative study using interviews as the primary method, you could use investigator triangulation by having multiple researchers analyze the interview transcripts to reduce individual biases.

• : Triangulation is inherently part of mixed methods research because it combines both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This naturally employs methodological triangulation, where different methods are used to validate findings.

• : A study on employee satisfaction might use surveys (quantitative) and focus groups (qualitative), combining these methods to provide a more comprehensive view.

• : In multi-methods research, which uses multiple techniques within one paradigm (either all qualitative or all quantitative), you can apply various forms of triangulation:

  • Within-method: Using different data collection techniques within the same paradigm.

  • Between-method: Combining different paradigms in a broader sense but not typically in pure multi-methods unless transitioning between paradigms.

1. : Using multiple sources or datasets to enhance reliability13.

2. : Involving multiple researchers to reduce bias5.

3. : Applying different theoretical frameworks7.

4. : Employing diverse methodologies12.

Triangulating your research enhances validity by mitigating biases and providing richer insights into complex phenomena across disciplines like business management, housing studies, and accounting & finance.

In summary:

• Mono method: Can apply through investigator or data triangulations.

• Mixed method: Naturally incorporates methodological triangulations.

• Multi-method: Can involve various forms of within-method or between-method triangles depending on how they are structured.

Each approach benefits from incorporating some form of triangulated strategy for enhanced credibility and depth in understanding complex issues across these fields."

My question 4: "What have been the theoretical development of these research approaches over the past 20 years?"

The reply: "Over the past 20 years, the theoretical development of research approaches like mono method, mixed method, and multi-method has evolved significantly. Here's an overview of these developments:

• : The mono method has seen refinement in its application across various disciplines. For instance, in qualitative mono methods, there's been a deeper exploration into interpretivist and constructivist philosophies to understand subjective realities better1. In quantitative mono methods, advancements in statistical analysis have enhanced data interpretation.

• : Mixed methods research has gained prominence due to its ability to combine both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This approach is increasingly recognized for its pragmatic utility in providing comprehensive insights into complex phenomena2. The integration of theory-driven design research supports the use of mixed methods by defining specific applications and evaluating their rigor2.

• : Multi-methods have become more sophisticated with researchers employing diverse techniques within one paradigm (either all qualitative or all quantitative). This approach allows for richer data collection and analysis by leveraging multiple tools within a consistent philosophical framework.

1. : There's been a shift towards pragmatist philosophies that emphasize practicality over strict adherence to traditional paradigms like positivism or interpretivism1.

2. : Qualitative research has contributed significantly to theory development through approaches like grounded theory6 and abductive reasoning1.

3. : The use of digital tools for data collection and analysis has expanded across all methodologies.

4. : Triangulation strategies are now widely adopted across methodologies to enhance validity by combining different data sources or investigators.

5. : There is an increased focus on understanding context-specific phenomena through nuanced qualitative analyses alongside broader quantitative trends.

In summary:

• Mono method: Refinements in statistical analysis for quantitative studies; deeper exploration into interpretivist philosophies for qualitative studies.

• Mixed method: Increased recognition as a pragmatic approach combining strengths from both paradigms.

• Multi-method: Sophistication through diverse toolsets within consistent frameworks.

These developments reflect ongoing efforts to improve research validity, relevance, and applicability across various fields such as business management, housing studies, accounting & finance over the past two decades."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.