Experience-based considerations for investigating complex and evolving issues using a longitudinal mixed methods approach
Experience-based considerations for investigating complex and evolving issues using a longitudinal mixed methods approach

Summary/Abstract: actIn our modern and interconnected society, research topics can becomplex and multifaceted. Engaging with them can provide valuable insightsinto lesser-researched phenomena and lay the foundations for a successfulacademic career. However, it can be challenging for researchers to organisetheir research when focusing on sophisticated and multilayered topics. Thepowerful forces of mainstreaming in most academic fields tend to emphasiseand normalise narrow and cautious research questions to steer researchtowards established methods, such as qualitative or quantitative approaches.On the other hand, consolidated approaches may not be suitable for conveyinga deep understanding of every phenomenon. In recent years, a third approachhas emerged, namely mixed methods research, which combines quantitativeand qualitative approaches to provide a more complete picture of complexphenomena. Though effective, mixed methods approaches leave designdecisions open and require considerable effort and expertise to work with twostrands of data simultaneously. Furthermore, unlike the two traditionalmethods, mixed methods approaches cannot rely on specific guidelines fordata collection and analysis. The complexity increases when researchers seekto investigate a topic over an extended period. In such cases, they may employa longitudinal mixed-methods approach, which typically involves multiplerounds of data collection, often three or more. This article describes theprocess of conducting a longitudinal mixed methods study from theresearcher’s perspective. It emphasises methodological considerations thatmay be useful to other researchers, particularly early career researchers anddoctoral students. To this end, it focuses on a study reporting onvideoconferencing for educational purposes during the pandemic, the resultsof which have already been published. Consistent with previous research, thispaper uses first-hand research as an illustrative example to discuss the broadrange of decisions associated with research design, data collection procedures,data analysis, validity, reliability, and ethical considerations.

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