Skip navigation

In brief

home page help (reference guide) search download (pdf) print broken link

 

 

citation CHI (s) 混合方法研究  SPA Investigación con métodos mixtos

 

 source  origins

The term mixed-methods research was coined in the late 1980s to early 1990s, emerging from debates on integrating quantitative and qualitative research approaches in the social sciences. One of the earliest formal uses of the term appeared in Greene, Caracelli & Graham’s (1989) influential article, which proposed a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. However, its first widespread use is often attributed to John W. Creswell and Vicki Plano Clark in the early 2000s, who helped formalize and popularize its application in various disciplines across the sciences, education, and health research.

 

other denominations  other names

Several synonyms or alternative designations exist for mixed-methods research in the academic literature, though they often carry slight variations in meaning or emphasis. These include multi-method research, integrative research and hybrid research. Among these, mixed-methods research explicitly conveys the systematic combination and integration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies within a single study. Hence, it is considered the most appropriate term for this entry. 

 

summary  abstract

Mixed-methods research (MMR) refers to an integrative research approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods within a single study to both understand and explain a phenomenon. It involves collecting, analyzing, and integrating both numerical (quantitative) and textual or observational (qualitative) data to leverage their complementary strengths. Three main philosophical worldviews commonly underpin the practice of MMR: (a) pragmatism, (b) critical realism, and (c) dialectical pluralism. In addition, the MMR literature highlights several key rationales for employing MMR, including cross-referencing, supplementarity, and expansion. Depending on their research objectives, scholars can adopt either parallel or sequential MMR designs to effectively integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Translation & Interpreting Studies (TIS) draws on a diverse range of theories, methods, and techniques to explore issues related to translation and interpreting (T&I). Given its inherently interdisciplinary nature, MMR aligns well with TIS. The development of MMR in TIS can be characterized by three distinct periods: (1) emerging discussions on methodological integration in the 2000s, (2) advocacy for and analysis of MMR practice in TIS in the 2010s, and (3) diversified application of MMR across various realms of TIS in the 2020s. Despite its growing adoption, TIS researchers face several challenges in the design, implementation, and reporting of MMR. These challenges are primarily related to ensuring and maintaining the quality and rigor of MMR-based TIS. To advance MMR in TIS, researchers should undertake evidence-based methodological reviews of MMR applications in TIS and implement rigorously designed MMR studies to explore a wide range of research areas, such as machine translation post-editing, translation reception, T&I quality assessment, and meta-research on TIS.

 

data sheet   record

author Han Chao
publication date 2026
reference (how to cite) Han, Chao. 2026. "Mixed-methods research" @ ENTI (Encyclopedia of Translation & Interpreting). AIETI.
DOI pending
URL stable https://www.aieti.eu/enti/mixed_methods_ENG

 

Creado con eXeLearning (Ventana nueva)