Enhancing the Interpretation of Significant Findings: The Role of Mixed Methods Research

Authors

Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, University of South FloridaFollow
Nancy L. Leech, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center

Abstract

The present essay outlines how mixed methods research can be used to enhance the interpretation of significant findings. First, we define what we mean by significance in educational evaluation research. With regard to quantitative-based research, we define the four types of significance: statistical significance, practical significance, clinical significance, and economic significance. With respect to qualitative-based research, we define a significant finding as one that has meaning or representation. Second, we describe limitations of each of these types of significance. Finally, we illustrate how conducting mixed methods analyses can be used to enhance the interpretation of significant findings in both quantitative and qualitative educational evaluation and policy research. Consequently, mixed methods research represents the real gold standard for studying phenomena.

Keywords

Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Mixed Methods, Significance, Meaning and Verstehen

Publication Date

12-1-2004

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2004.1913

Recommended APA Citation

Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Leech, N. L. (2004). Enhancing the Interpretation of Significant Findings: The Role of Mixed Methods Research. The Qualitative Report, 9(4), 770-792. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2004.1913