Workshop on Mixed Method Research at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University 

 

The Centre for Research and Training, Department of Education, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib organized a Workshop on Mixed Method Research for the in-house faculty. The workshop was conducted by Prof. Kulwinder Singh, a retired professor from the Department of Education and Community Service, Punjabi University, Patiala. Prof. Kulwinder Singh explained the conceptual foundations, methodology, data analysis, and report writing in Mixed Method Research (MMR). He stated that pragmatism served as a guiding paradigm and highlighted the advantages of integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches for a more comprehensive research perspective. He discussed different research designs, including convergent parallel, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential, and embedded designs, and guided faculty members on selecting appropriate frameworks for their studies. While addressing data collection techniques, he elaborated on methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. He further explained how statistical analysis could be integrated with qualitative thematic coding and introduced participants to various software tools for data analysis, making research more structured and efficient. In the later sessions, he emphasized report writing and interpretation, explaining how researchers should synthesize mixed-method findings, structure their reports, and present cohesive conclusions. Faculty members were given practical training, where they applied their knowledge by designing their own mixed-method research proposals, analyzing sample datasets, and drafting preliminary research reports. This approach, he noted, helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application while enhancing faculty members' research capabilities. Following the sessions, Dr. Harneet Billing, Head of the Department of Education, pointed out that mixed-method research enabled a deeper exploration of educational phenomena and remarked that the workshop had provided valuable insights into integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches effectively. Prof. Sukhwinder Singh Billing, Dean Academic Affairs, appreciated the initiative, stating that capacity-building workshops fostered academic excellence and helped faculty adopt innovative research methodologies to contribute meaningfully to educational research and policy. Prof. Pritpal Singh, Vice Chancellor, acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Education and the Centre for Research and Training, noting that high-quality research formed the foundation of academic progress. He further added that such training programs ensured faculty members remained well-versed in advanced research methodologies, thereby strengthening the institution’s research culture.