Mixed methods research is a research approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a research question or phenomenon. It involves collecting and analyzing both numerical data (such as survey responses, usage statistics, or other quantifiable metrics) and non-numerical data (such as user interviews, observations, or other qualitative sources).

Mixed methods research is also seen as a more flexible way of doing research. It allows for different data to be used in different ways, depending on what is most useful for answering the research question. This flexibility can be helpful when there is no one “right” way of doing research. This is the case with social science research, as there are many different ways to answer a question or solve a problem.

Both quantitative and qualitative research have benefits and disadvantages. Quantitative research is good for measuring quantities of people or things, but it does not show why something happened or what might happen next. Qualitative research is good for understanding people’s thoughts and feelings, but it cannot measure quantities. Mixed methods research can use the best of both types of research to give a more complete understanding of a problem or issue.

Mixed methods research typically involves several stages:

1. Planning the study
2. Collecting data
3. Analyzing the data
4. Integrating findings
5. Communicating results

As you can see, at a high level a mixed methods study doesn't look much different than a qual or quant study. Where they really differ are in the details of each step. Researchers need to plan ahead on what data needs to be collected, the methods used, and how to analyze and integrate the data. When communicating the results, mixed methods can be more powerful in addressing several types of both research and stakeholder questions.

Overall, mixed methods research requires careful planning and execution to ensure that both qualitative and quantitative data are collected and analyzed in a rigorous and systematic way. When done well, mixed methods research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of user needs, behaviors, and experiences than either qualitative or quantitative methods alone.