Abstract

This chapter reflects on the use of a small scale primary mixed method research design employed as part of a research project into patterns of work-related travel and its relationship with well-being. Despite the size and coverage of large scale secondary datasets, they still contain gaps in significant areas of both academic and policy interest which can render use of alternative data collection methods necessary. In the context of the work-related travel research project, this chapter reflects on a number of issues such as the role of research ethics, the design and testing of research instruments and implementation of the overall research design. Combining the qualitative and quantitative data collected through small scale mixed methods and generating journal articles poses a number of challenges. The chapter offers lessons learnt for researchers who may be unfamiliar with this approach to researching the quality of working lives.