Lessons learned: advantages and disadvantages of mixed method research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is first, to discuss the theoretical assumptions, qualities, problems and myopia of the dominating quantitative and qualitative approaches; second, to describe the methodological lessons that the authors learned while conducting a series of longitudinal studies on the use and usefulness of a specialized balanced scorecard; and third, to encourage researchers to actually use multiple methods and sources of data to address the very many accounting phenomena that are not fully understood. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an opinion piece based on the authors' experience conducting a series of longitudinal mixed method studies. Findings The authors suggest that in many studies, using a mixed method approach provides the best opportunity for addressing research questions. Originality/value This paper provides encouragement to those who may wish to bridge the authors' ideological gaps and to those who are actively trying to do so.