Mixed methods research

The mixed methods research is referred to the use of a researcher a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, techniques, approaches, and concepts altogether in one single study to produce multi methods, techniques, and approaches that bridge the gap between difference philosophies and their conflicts stance and reduce the potential weakness of investigated phenomena (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Harwell, 2011). As a methodology, “it involves philosophical assumptions that guide the direction of the collection and analysis of data and the mixture of qualitative and quantitative approaches in many phases in the research process” (Creswell, 2006, p. 5). It highlights on the collection, analysis, and combination of the quantitative and qualitative results in a single study or series of studies. Its main idea is that combining quantitative and qualitative approaches would create a better understanding of the research problems than either approach alone (Creswell, 2006).

Strength Weakness

Words, pictures, and narrative can be used to add meaning to numbers.

Can be difficult for a single researcher to carry out both qualitative and quantitative

research, especially if two or more approaches are expected to be used concurrently; it may require a research team.

Numbers can be used to add precision to words, pictures, and narrative.

Researcher has to learn about multiple methods and approaches and understand how to mix them appropriately.

Can provide quantitative and qualitative Methodological purists contend that

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research strengths one should always work within

either a qualitative or a quantitative paradigm.

Researcher can generate and test a grounded theory.

More expensive.

Can answer a broader and more complete range of research questions because the researcher is not confined to a single method or approach.

More time consuming.

A researcher can use the strengths of an additional method to overcome the weaknesses in another method by using both in a research study.

Some of the details of mixed research remain to be worked out fully by research methodologists (e.g., problems of paradigm mixing, how to qualitatively analyze

quantitative data, how to interpret conflicting results).

Can provide stronger evidence for a conclusion through convergence and corroboration of findings.

Can add insights and understanding that might be missed when only a single method is used.

Can be used to increase the generalizability of the results.

Qualitative and quantitative research used together produce more complete knowledge necessary to inform theory and practice.

Table 4.4: Strength and weakness of mixed-methods research (Source:

Johnson and Onwueguzie, 2004. P.21)

With regards to quantitative approach, this research is not intending to deductively focus on a theory or testing hypothesis neither investigating

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government phenomena through obtaining the knowledge based on numerical data.

With regards to qualitative approach, this research is not intending to only focus on the meaning of having a comprehensive image of the particular investigated subject (such as understanding only the e-Umrah system’s infrastructure itself).

This research study aims to combine both numerical and narrative data to enable exploring, explaining and describing a complex phenomenon which exists in e-government context and investigate government to business infrastructure from a holistic perspective which is through obtaining knowledge in the form of numerical and narration to explore how and why this phenomena occurred and what influences this phenomena to develop. Therefore, mixed methods approach was found to be the most appropriate approach for this research.

Moreover, the e-government literature emphasised on the existent gap in the literature which is the lack of knowledge of government to business relationships (GBDEC, 2001; GBDEC, 2002; Bertoletti et al., 2003; Zhao et al., 2007; Geetika and Pandey, 2007; Minh, 2009; Lee et al., 2011). Therefore, it is important to understand the relationship between the G2B electronic services because of its role in empowering and improving the e-government services between the government and the private sectors (Ali et al., 2009; Minh, 2009;

GBDEC, 2001; GBDEC, 2002).Therefore, a mixed methods approach is the favourable choice because it supplies this research study with a comprehensive, systematic understanding, numerical statistics and rich details about the government to business relationships that is embedded in the e-government context.

Another essential reason is that the government phenomena particularly e-government infrastructure is complex because it contains diverse systems, stakeholders, technological, organisational, administrative and collaborative cultural aspects that requires deep consideration and exploration of these multi- aspects that are interrelated and embedded in the e-government context.

Hence, adopting both methods can inform theory and practice by providing

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complete knowledge necessary to answer a variety of questions and deliver insights and understanding rather than using a single method.

In the context of this research study, the mixed methods approach will increase the understanding of the complex and interrelational interactions which require deep interpretation through investigating the viewpoints of the business sector to holistically build a clear and simple image and unveil the adoption and acceptance of e-Umrah system among business (Newman, 2006).

Most weaknesses associated with the mixed methods approach could not be avoided. The expenses associated with conducting both quantitative and qualitative studies existed as the researcher needed to fly to Saudi Arabia on two occasions. In addition, the time taken to carry out this study was too long and this is an inherent problem associated with this mixed method approach.

However, the researcher endeavoured to avoid the problem of gaining conflicting results from both studies by setting different targets for each part of the study. The first preliminary study was to understand the background of the business culture and the level of adoption and acceptance of the e-Umrah system in Saudi Arabia. The second part of the study was the primary study which focused on the infrastructure of the e-Umrah system and the barriers which affect it. Hence, dividing the study helped to reduce the complexities associated with the information gained from the mixed method approach and reduced conflicting results whereas each part has a separate analysis to focus on gaining a clear understanding of the e-Umrah system government to business culture and its infrastructure.