Research Method: A mixed-methods approach will be employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques.

Mixed-Methods Research Approach

A mixed-methods approach combines both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research problem. This approach leverages the strengths of both methodologies, allowing the researcher to explore complex issues from multiple perspectives.

1. Quantitative Data Collection: This involves structured techniques such as surveys or experiments, which produce numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. It aims to establish patterns, test theories, and quantify relationships between variables. For example, a survey could be distributed to gather relevant data on a specific topic, with questions designed to elicit measurable responses.

2. Qualitative Data Collection: This entails unstructured or semi-structured techniques like interviews, focus groups, or observations, aiming to gather rich, descriptive data. This method seeks to understand participants' experiences, perspectives, and the context behind their behaviors. For instance, conducting interviews with a select group of individuals allows the researcher to delve deeper into opinions and motivations that drive certain actions.

3. Integration of Data: The mixed-methods approach emphasizes the integration of quantitative and qualitative data. This can occur in various ways, such as using qualitative insights to explain quantitative findings or to develop hypotheses that can be tested quantitatively.

4. Analysis: This involves analyzing both sets of data separately and then integrating the findings. Statistical analysis can reveal trends or patterns in the quantitative data, while thematic analysis can help extract key themes from the qualitative data.

5. Interpretation of Findings: Finally, the results from both data types are interpreted together to provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of the research question. This helps to validate findings and offers a more complete perspective.

Using a mixed-methods approach allows researchers to not only measure trends but also to understand the reasons behind those trends, ensuring that their findings are both rigorous and contextually rich.