A Case for Mixed Methods Research in Massage Therapy

This call to action recognizes mixed methods research remains controversial despite its increased use in health care.(7,11) However, those who employ this approach see value in mixing, blending or combining the best of qualitative methods with quantitative to create an approach that studies complex problems. To date, few research studies in massage therapy have used mixed methods.(9) MT researchers are challenged to embrace the potential of MMR to explore complex research questions facing the profession. Mixed methods research is often more time- and resource-intense, so should be undertaken when the research question demands that level of complexity. MT researchers who wish to undertake this type of investigation are advised to work with a team with expertise in multiple areas of health research methodology.