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Combined Methods Research
Combined methods research involves the use of more than one method. One form of combined methods research is in collateral methods designs in which methods are for the most part used separately in complementary. Generally, different measurement and treatment instruments are administered and results are compared. For example, a study may compare data from a data archive with the results of an experiment. Another multiple method situation is the case study, which might combine observational tools, archival analysis, survey research, and a natural experiment. Another kind of combined methods research involves integrated methods designs. As the name implies, methods are merged - often in the same instruments. For example, different wordings or formats for a survey question might be given to experimental and control groups to test their effects on responses. In this example, the objective may be to test the validity of survey items or to test the effects of such things as labels like "Democrat" or "Republican" on issue response consistency.
Another important kind of combined research methods integrates qualitative research methods and quantitative research methods, as in the case of an exploratory phase followed by a quantitative phase. For more on qualitative research methods, click here.
A dropdown menu for selection of a research methods appears on the Research Methods Page of the Composer. It also appears on the Search Protocols Page and in the popup Protocol Description Window on the Edit Protocol Page. To select a research method, simply click on the dropdown list of research methods and click on the one closest to your study.
If your study falls in the category of Combined Methods Research, click on the dropdown list of research methods and click on "Combined Methods Research."