1. the concepts and characteristics of mixed and multi-method research

Mixed research and multi-method research are two different but related multi-method research designs. They both involve the combined use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a study, but they are different and related.

Mixed research (mixed methods research) is a research methodology that uses philosophical assumptions as a guide to collect and analyze data involved in qualitative and quantitative research at different stages of research, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to answer research questions. The characteristics of mixed studies are:

Based on the philosophical paradigm of pragmatism, hybrid research seeks to solve complex research problems with "the most effective methods;

Mixed research has both the explanatory nature of qualitative research and the objectivity of quantitative research, so the use of this research method can better understand and explain the research phenomenon;

Hybrid research can adopt different research designs, and choose appropriate data collection, analysis and integration methods according to research purposes, problems, background and resources;

Hybrid research can flexibly adjust and improve research methods during the research process to adapt to the actual situation and needs of the research.

Multi-method research (multi-method research) is a research design that uses two or more research methods in a study to explore research questions from different angles and levels to increase the credibility and validity of the research. The characteristics of multi-method research are:

Multi-method research can use the same paradigm or different paradigms, such as quantitative multi-method research, qualitative multi-method research or mixed paradigm multi-method research;

Multi-method research can use the same type or different types of research methods, such as investigation, experiment, observation, interview, literature analysis, etc;

Multi-method research can use different research methods at the same stage or at different stages, such as simultaneous use, sequential use or nested use;

Multi-method research can use different research methods at different levels, such as at the level of overall research, sub-research, or data analysis.

The differences and connections between mixed and multi-method studies are as follows:

Mixed research is a kind of multi-method research, but not all multi-method research is mixed research. Mixed research must use both quantitative and qualitative methods, while multi-method research can use only quantitative or qualitative methods;

Hybrid research emphasizes the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods, while multi-method research emphasizes parallel or sequential quantitative and qualitative methods. Hybrid research requires the organic integration of quantitative and qualitative data, analysis and results in the research process to generate new insights and value, while multi-method research can use quantitative and qualitative methods respectively in the research process to verify or supplement each other's results;

Mixed research has its own philosophical foundation, methodology and techniques, while multi-method research does not. Mixed research is based on the philosophical paradigm of pragmatism and has its own methods and techniques for research design, data collection, analysis and integration, while multi-method research does not form a consistent philosophical foundation and methodology, but uses different methods in practice.

2. the advantages, disadvantages and types of mixed and multi-method studies

As a multi-method research design, mixed research and multi-method research have their advantages and disadvantages and types, which can be selected and implemented according to the purpose, problem, background and resources of the research.

The main advantages of mixed research are:

It can improve the quality and effect of the research, and make the research more comprehensive, in-depth, accurate and credible;

It can solve complex research problems that cannot be solved by a single method, making research more flexible, innovative and practical;

It can increase the impact and value of research and make it more convincing, attractive and enabling.

The main disadvantages of mixed research are:

More time, cost, skills and resources are required, making research more difficult, expensive and risky;

More theories, methods and techniques are needed, which makes the research more complex, vague and uncertain;

More philosophical, ethical and political considerations are needed to make research more sensitive, complex and controversial.

The main types of mixed studies are:

Parallel mixed research (parallel mixed methods research) refers to the simultaneous use of quantitative and qualitative methods at the same stage to answer different or the same research questions, and then compare or integrate the results of the two methods;

Sequential mixed research (sequential mixed methods research) refers to the use of quantitative and qualitative methods at different stages to answer the same or different research questions, and then the results of the two methods are connected or expanded;

Nested mixed research (embedded mixed methods research) refers to embedding a secondary research method in a primary research method to answer a different or the same research question, and then supplementing or enhancing the results of the two methods.

The main advantages of multi-method research are:

It can improve the credibility and effectiveness of the research, and make the research more objective, comprehensive, in-depth and accurate;

It can solve complex research problems that cannot be solved by a single method, making research more flexible, innovative and practical;

It can increase the impact and value of research and make it more convincing, attractive and enabling.

The main disadvantages of multi-method research are:

More time, cost, skills and resources are required, making research more difficult, expensive and risky;

More theories, methods and techniques are needed, which makes the research more complex, vague and uncertain;

More philosophical, ethical and political considerations are needed to make research more sensitive, complex and controversial.

The main types of multi-method studies are:

Quantitative multi-method research (quantitative multi-method research) refers to the use of two or more quantitative methods in a study, such as surveys, experiments, statistics, etc., to explore research issues from different angles and levels to increase the credibility and effectiveness of the study;

Qualitative multi-method research (qualitative multi-method research) refers to the use of two or more qualitative methods in a study, such as observation, interview, literature analysis, etc., to explore research issues from different angles and levels, and increase the credibility and effectiveness of the study;

Mixed paradigm multi-method research (mixed paradigm multi-method research) refers to the use of two or more different paradigms in a research method, such as quantitative and qualitative methods, to explore the research problem from different angles and levels, and increase the credibility and effectiveness of the research.

Inspirations and Suggestions of 3. Industrial Market Research

The implications and recommendations of industrial market research refer to the impact and implications of mixed research and multi-method research on industrial market research, as well as some specific recommendations and measures, mainly in the following areas:

Implications and recommendations for industrial market research itself. Industrial market research is a scientific and artistic discipline, it needs to constantly adapt to and lead the changes and development of the industrial market, the use of aesthetic and creative, improve the level and effect of research. Hybrid research and multi-method research provide new methods and techniques for industrial market research, which can help industrial market researchers to better collect, analyze, present and apply data and information, better solve complex research problems, and better create new research value.

Industrial market researchers should select and implement appropriate mixed research or multi-method research design according to the purpose, problem, background and resources of the research, and continuously improve and innovate the level and value of industrial market research;

Implications and recommendations for industrial firms. Industrial enterprises are the object and purpose of industrial market research. The results and processes of industrial market research have important influence and significance on industrial enterprises, which can help industrial enterprises to better understand and adapt to the needs and changes of the industrial market, better formulate and implement the strategies and decisions of the industrial market, and better enhance and maintain the competitiveness and influence of the industrial market.

Industrial enterprises should pay attention to and use the results and process of industrial market research, select and cooperate with excellent industrial market research experts and consulting companies, put forward clear research objectives and needs, participate in and feedback the research process and results, apply and evaluate research suggestions and actions, and constantly optimize and improve the performance and effect of industrial market;

Implications and recommendations for consulting firms. Consulting companies are the providers and promoters of industrial market research. The results and processes of industrial market research have important influence and significance on consulting companies. They can help consulting companies to better meet and exceed the expectations and needs of industrial enterprises, better display and convey the results and values of industrial market research, and better establish and maintain the professional image and good reputation of industrial market research.

The consulting company shall continuously improve and innovate the results and processes of industrial market research, cultivate and introduce excellent industrial market research experts and teams, master and apply advanced industrial market research methods and technologies, develop and expand new industrial market research fields and contents, and provide and promote high-quality industrial market research services and products.

Conclusion

Industrial market research usually requires a variety of research methods to take full advantage of the advantages of different methods, to make up for the limitations of different methods, and to improve the quality and effectiveness of research. Mixed research and multi-method research are two commonly used multi-method research designs. They both involve the combined use of quantitative and qualitative methods in a study, but they are different and related. The concept, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, types and applications of mixed research and multi-method research.