Prof. Soumendra Mohan Patnaik Speaks on Mixed-Method Approach in Social Science Research at PU

Chandigarh, March 10, 2026: Noted anthropologist and Director of the Centre for Tribal Studies at the University of Delhi (DU), Prof. Soumendra Mohan Patnaik today delivered an expert lecture on “Using Mixed-Method Approach in Social Science Research” at the Department of Education, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
The lecture focused on the importance of methodological logic in mixed-method research. Prof. Patnaik has also served as Vice Chancellor of Utkal University, Odisha.
Addressing faculty members, research scholars and students, Head of DU’s Department of Anthropology, Prof. Patnaik emphasised that the study of social science phenomena should begin with an understanding of culture and the contexts in which human behaviour evolves. He said that in classical traditions of social science, research methods were not applied mechanically but were developed in relation to the nature of the phenomenon being studied.
Referring to the ideas of anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, Prof. Patnaik explained that the human mind often interprets reality through binary contrasts, where concepts become clearer when placed alongside their opposites. At the same time, he cautioned researchers against falling into what he described as the “trap of binary thinking”, observing that social realities are complex and cannot always be reduced to simple oppositional categories.
Prof. Patnaik also spoke about the relationship between research questions and research methods. He said that the nature of the research question should guide the choice of methods rather than forcing methods onto a problem. Explaining the essence of mixed-method research, he clarified that it should not be seen as a random combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Instead, there must be a clear logical and phenomenological coherence that allows different methods to complement each other in understanding social realities.
Throughout the lecture, Prof. Patnaik illustrated his arguments with examples from classical scholarship as well as contemporary social contexts. Participants appreciated the lecture for its clarity and intellectual depth. The discussion also included moments of humour which made the interaction engaging.
The lecture concluded with a discussion in which participants reflected on the relevance of mixed-method approaches in contemporary social science research. The vote of thanks was proposed by the session coordinator, who expressed gratitude to Prof. Patnaik for delivering the lecture and acknowledged the presence of faculty members, research scholars and students.