Lessons Learned: Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed Methods Research

Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management, Forthcoming

26 Pages Posted: 2 May 2011 Last revised: 9 May 2011

See all articles by Mary A. Malina

Mary A. Malina

University of Colorado at Denver - Business School

Hanne Norreklit

Aarhus University - Department of International Business

Frank H. Selto

University of Colorado, Boulder

Date Written: December 13, 2010

Abstract

The purposes of this paper are to (1) discuss the theoretical assumptions, qualities, problems and myopia of the dominating quantitative and qualitative approaches, (2) describe the methodological lessons that we learned while conducting a series of longitudinal studies on the use and usefulness of a specialized balanced scorecard, and (3) encourage researchers to actually use multiple methods and sources of data to address the very many accounting phenomena that we still do not understand well.

Design/methodology/approach - This paper is an opinion piece based on our experience conducting a series of longitudinal mixed method studies.

Findings - We suggest that the divides between quantitative vs. qualitative methods and economic vs. more behavioral theories are not constructive toward understanding accounting phenomena.

Originality/value - We hope this paper provides encouragement to those that may wish to bridge our ideological gaps and comfort to those that are actively trying to do so.

Keywords: Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Mixed Method Research, Research Methods

JEL Classification: M41

Suggested Citation

Malina, Mary A. and Norreklit, Hanne and Selto, Frank H., Lessons Learned: Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed Methods Research (December 13, 2010). Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1826304

Mary A. Malina (Contact Author)

University of Colorado at Denver - Business School ( email )

1250 14th St.
Denver, CO 80204
United States

Hanne Norreklit

Aarhus University - Department of International Business ( email )

DK-8210 Aarhus
Denmark

Frank H. Selto

University of Colorado, Boulder ( email )

419 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0419
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
2,290
Abstract Views
10,032
Rank
12,043
PlumX Metrics