Abstract:
As educational leaders it is important to keep abreast of research trends in order to conduct our own research to rigorous standards or judge the credibility of the research that we read. In recent years, mixed method research has been proffered as an approach that bridges the quantitative-qualitative divide and provides more rigour in educational research contexts. This article holds this view up to scrutiny. While the author does not oppose mixed method research per se, she argues that not all those undertaking it have thought through the issues and implications before they embark on a mixed method approach. In a recent article in Educational Researcher (Yanchar and Williams, 2006), the writers offer a useful set of principles to consider. This author takes these principles (contextual sensitivity, creativity, conceptual awareness, coherence, and critical reflection) as a framework for arguing a case for heightened critical awareness when choosing to work in a mixed method mode.