HIN4801
Assignment 5
DUE 25 August 2025
, HIN4801
Research Methodology module
Assignment 5
Primary Lecturer: Dr MW Rammutloa
Internal Moderator: Prof RJ Maluleke
Open: 08 August 2025 (08h00)
Submission due date: 25 August 2025 (20h00)
Contents
QUESTION 1: MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH (MMR) APPROACH ....................................2
1.1 Explanatory Sequential Research Design ..............................................................2
1.2 Exploratory Sequential Research Design ..............................................................3
1.3 Convergent Parallel Research Design ...................................................................4
References ...........................................................................................................5
QUESTION 2: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR) APPROACH .............................5
2.1 Rationale for Adopting a Participatory Research Approach.......................................6
2.2 Two Paradigms Suitable for PAR ..........................................................................6
2.3 Three Designs Suitable for PAR ...........................................................................7
2.4 Ethical Considerations in PAR with Marginalised Communities.................................8
References ...........................................................................................................9
, QUESTION 1: MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH (MMR) APPROACH
Definition & Context
Mixed-methods research (MMR) is the systematic integration of both quantitative and
qualitative approaches within a single study to provide a deeper, more complete
understanding of research problems (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). This integration
can occur sequentially or concurrently depending on the design. Quantitative research is
often strong in measuring variables and establishing patterns, while qualitative researc
excels in exploring meanings, experiences, and contextual factors. The MMR approach
integrates the two, allowing researchers to capitalise on the strengths of each method
while minimising their individual weaknesses. This integration leads to greater depth,
reliability, and applicability of findings.
The three core designs most discussed in research methodology are:
1. Explanatory Sequential
2. Exploratory Sequential
3. Convergent Parallel
1.1 Explanatory Sequential Research Design (15 marks)
Explanation (5 marks)
• A two-phase design where the researcher starts with quantitative data collection
and analysis (QUAN), followed by a qualitative phase (qual).
• The second, qualitative phase aims to explain, clarify, or elaborate on the initial
numerical findings (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018).
• Often symbolised as: QUAN → qual.
Rationale (5 marks)
• Useful when initial quantitative results are unexpected or require contextual
understanding.
• Enables researchers to move from statistical patterns to participant voices that
provide meaning behind the numbers.
Assignment 5
DUE 25 August 2025
, HIN4801
Research Methodology module
Assignment 5
Primary Lecturer: Dr MW Rammutloa
Internal Moderator: Prof RJ Maluleke
Open: 08 August 2025 (08h00)
Submission due date: 25 August 2025 (20h00)
Contents
QUESTION 1: MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH (MMR) APPROACH ....................................2
1.1 Explanatory Sequential Research Design ..............................................................2
1.2 Exploratory Sequential Research Design ..............................................................3
1.3 Convergent Parallel Research Design ...................................................................4
References ...........................................................................................................5
QUESTION 2: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR) APPROACH .............................5
2.1 Rationale for Adopting a Participatory Research Approach.......................................6
2.2 Two Paradigms Suitable for PAR ..........................................................................6
2.3 Three Designs Suitable for PAR ...........................................................................7
2.4 Ethical Considerations in PAR with Marginalised Communities.................................8
References ...........................................................................................................9
, QUESTION 1: MIXED-METHODS RESEARCH (MMR) APPROACH
Definition & Context
Mixed-methods research (MMR) is the systematic integration of both quantitative and
qualitative approaches within a single study to provide a deeper, more complete
understanding of research problems (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018). This integration
can occur sequentially or concurrently depending on the design. Quantitative research is
often strong in measuring variables and establishing patterns, while qualitative researc
excels in exploring meanings, experiences, and contextual factors. The MMR approach
integrates the two, allowing researchers to capitalise on the strengths of each method
while minimising their individual weaknesses. This integration leads to greater depth,
reliability, and applicability of findings.
The three core designs most discussed in research methodology are:
1. Explanatory Sequential
2. Exploratory Sequential
3. Convergent Parallel
1.1 Explanatory Sequential Research Design (15 marks)
Explanation (5 marks)
• A two-phase design where the researcher starts with quantitative data collection
and analysis (QUAN), followed by a qualitative phase (qual).
• The second, qualitative phase aims to explain, clarify, or elaborate on the initial
numerical findings (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018).
• Often symbolised as: QUAN → qual.
Rationale (5 marks)
• Useful when initial quantitative results are unexpected or require contextual
understanding.
• Enables researchers to move from statistical patterns to participant voices that
provide meaning behind the numbers.
