Blending qualitative and quantitative research methods in library and information science in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This article explores how researchers for library and information science (LIS) journals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) blended both qualitative and quantitative methods into their articles between the period 2002 and 2010. The mixed methods research framework provided in methodological literature was used to determine how the LIS scientific community in SSA blended qualitative and qualitative methodological approaches. Content analysis and semi-structured telephonic interviews with editors and members of the editorial boards were used for collecting data. Seven hundred and ninety three (793) articles published in nine peer-reviewed LIS journals in SAA were reviewed, finding the dominant research methods to be survey designs and historical research. Fifty out of 793 articles integrated research methods. The study concluded that the blending of different research methods was limited in SSA. It is recommended that LIS researchers in SSA blend methods to inform each other to obtain a comprehensive picture of a phenomenon under investigation and to achieve their research purpose more effectively.