For a very long time, there has been a tussle between researchers over the different methods that are used in research. There are two methods of approaches the quantitative and qualitative approaches. Those who support the quantitative approach take a realist position and involve a dualist epistemology which requires separation of the researcher to the researched while qualitative approach takes a relativist position and allows for multiple constructions of reality and a monist epistemology where the researcher and the researched interact and are bound together (Cameron, 2009, 141). Newman (2006) argues that a good researcher should always understand and appreciate each style on its on terms and recognize the strengths and limitations of each (Cameron, 2009, 142). The paradigm wars have led to the development of several schools of thought.  First of all are the purists, they argue that paradigms and methods should not be mixed in research. The others are the situationalists who argue that certain methods are only applied in particular situations and finally are the pragmatists who advocate the use of both the qualitative and quantitative methods. This last group is the proponent of the mixed method research. They seek to resolve the tension between the quantitative and qualitative researchers. This essay examines the development and application of the mixed method research. A case study on the application of one of its designs has also been included to help illustrate this method.

Tashakkori  Teddlie (2003) traces back the development of the mixed method research to the early 1980s. It is gaining interest in most of the disciplines in particular it has received too much application in the areas of applied social research and evaluation. This trend is also evidenced by the inclusion of chapters discussing the method in books and more recently a handbook and a number of textbooks have been published. In addition, recent studies on the use of the mixed method research in the field of information systems, counseling, management disciplines and a qualitative research is providing evidence of the utilization of this method in contemporary research (Cameron, 2009, 143). Typologies have been developed by theorists and these are a systematic classification of the types that have characteristics or traits in common and form part of models and theories (Cameron, 2009, 144). They are aimed at organizing abstract and complex concepts. In addition, the mixed methods take various forms. Mertems (2005) states that the complementary designs utilize both qualitative and complementary features in a single study, with several research questions having a different methodological approach. Parallel form is the other which collects and analyzes two types of data using concurrent mixed methods or model designs. The last is the sequential from where one type of data is first collected and this provides a basis for collection of another type of data. An example of a typology is that outlined by Caracelli and Greene (1997) that has three component designs and four integrated designs as shown on the table below. Other typologies are those developed by Creswell and Plano Clark (2007) Tashakkori and Teddlie. They are four-type (triangulation, embedded, explanatory and exploratory) and a six type typologies respectively.

The development of the mixed method typologies and research designs has been faced with a lot of challenges. McMillan and Schumacher (2006) have noted that for the effective application of this method, the researchers must be proficient and competent in both the qualitative and quantitative methods. In addition, they should carry out an extended data collection and use many resources. Another problem is the tendency of the researchers to apply this method to only studies that superficially mix methods (Cameron, 2009, pg. 145).