Mixed Methods Research

Currently, there are three major research traditions: quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research. In the context of Western philosophy, the origins of these three traditions can be traced back to ancient times. Communication research also can be traced back to ancient times. Since 1960, the mixed methods research movement has gained in popularity. Unfortunately, based on previous prevalence rate studies, the use of mixed methods research approaches has not kept pace. Our own study of articles published in two highly ranked communication research journals confirmed this, with only between 4.4% and 9.7% of mixed methods research studies published in these two journals between 2010 and 2014. Thus, we provide both a framework and rationale for communication researchers to conduct mixed methods research. We contend that because rapidly growing Web 2.0 digital technologies have led to communication that is increasingly digitally mediated, the question no longer should be whether mixed methods research techniques should be used by communication researchers but how.