An integrated 'within' mixed research methodological approach: applying grounded theory to survey design

摘要

In order to bridge the gap between qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and create a synthesis between the two approaches to leverage upon the strengths of both, mixed method approaches have been prevalently used in educational research studies. Generally, mixed method approaches that have been adopted blend quantitative and qualitative methods in a juxtaposed, contiguous manner rather than in a more organically integrated 'within' way. In the e-learning case study elaborated upon in this paper, a research methodology that combines grounded theory qualitative research and quantitative survey research design in a 'within' manner termed as grounded theory survey research design is explicated. Drawing upon the perspectives of this approach, the research topic of nature of e-learning happening in organisations was probed in multi-faced ways to enable richer and deeper understandings. The key learning points of this study in terms of the salient benefits and drawbacks of adopting grounded theory survey research design methodology have been elaborated upon in this paper.