Complete thesis - Murdoch University

primary method• can provide stronger evidence for a conclusion through convergence and corroborationof findings• a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods produces more completeknowledge for informing theory and practice.However, weaknesses should also be noted (Johnson and Onwuegbizue, 2004):• mixed methods research tends to be more expensive, time-consuming and resourceintensivethan single method research• it can be difficult for a single researcher to carry out both qualitative and quantitativeresearch• more extensive training is required to exploit both approaches• purists may discount such research, taking the view that researchers should always workwithin a qualitative or quantitative framework, not in both• some details of mixed methods research are yet to be worked out fully.4.2.3 Strategies for data acquisitionAs described above, the holistic nature of Action Research allows for the different researchmethods, tools and instruments of the mixed method approach to be exploited. Althoughgenerally common to qualitative research, these various methods may also be drawn fromthe quantitative arena, but always with the aim of observing and recording the context ofthe study. From that perspective, the methods can be viewed as emergent – planned on thebasis of discoveries in the data, and the reflection that follows.Kember and Kelly (1993) divide observation techniques common to Action Research intothree categories:• diagnostic devices include student assessment, learning inventories, interaction schedules,diagnosis of conception (eg mind maps). Particularly with assessment items,the difficulty is to demonstrate that the qualities being investigated are those being assessed,with understanding of concepts usually assessed formally. However, an alternatemethod sees the use of concept maps, where the definition and relationship betweencore concepts is explored qualitatively, while learning inventories provide empirically203