What type of research involves both hard data and anecdotal data?

The type of research that involves both hard data and anecdotal data is mixed-method research. This approach effectively combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques, allowing researchers to leverage the strengths of both types of data.

Hard data refers to measurable, objective data often collected through quantitative methods, such as surveys or experiments, resulting in numbers and statistics. In contrast, anecdotal data includes personal accounts, stories, or observations, which are often gathered through qualitative methods like interviews or open-ended surveys. By incorporating both hard data and anecdotal data, mixed-method research provides a more comprehensive understanding of a research question, enabling a triangulation of findings that can validate results and capture the complexity of human experiences and behaviors.

Qualitative research typically focuses solely on non-numerical data, while quantitative research emphasizes numerical data and statistics. Causal research is primarily concerned with identifying cause-and-effect relationships but does not necessarily integrate both data types. Therefore, the blending of hard and anecdotal data is a hallmark of mixed-method research.