Mixed Methods Research: Insights from Requirements Engineering

Abstract

Requirements engineering (RE) combines technical and human aspects in software development. It covers the process of eliciting, analysing, specifying, validating and managing the requirements of software systems. RE needs to understand the people and the context within which specific actions and decisions take place. Hence, RE research opts for qualitative research. Quantitative approach is equally important in RE research nevertheless, as some studies may need to measure certain variables and confirming existing theories. Therefore, the adoption of mixed methods is viewed as an appealing alternative to fulfil the diverse needs of RE studies. The method offers the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand and overcome complex RE issues. This paper highlights some insights of adopting mixed methods in RE research. The discussion is based on experience of having two qualitative and one quantitative studies and integrating two mixed methods research designs. The insights generate several tentative facts about employing mixed methods in RE research, which covering the aspects of writing and publishing, research intention and motivation as well as understanding of accompanying methods.