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As it name implies, the mixed methods gathers both qualitative and quantitative information as researchers believe that by combining both types, the results which will be obtained will be more accurate and more complete. Examples of mixed-methods research methodologies are action research, program evaluation, etc.

3.1.2 My research methodology

For this research project, the methodology which I have chosen is the case study. The case study is one of the numerous ways which can be used to conduct a research. According to Bill Gillham (2000) “a case study is one which investigates an individual, a group, an institution, a community or even multiple cases in order to answer specific research questions and which seeks a range of different kind of evidence (...) to get the best possible answers to the research questions.” In this definition we can note that first of all this method consist of investigating, which is a relevant method to carry out this research as the title of this study is about an investigation about the promotion of student leadership by rectors. Also Gillham talked about the investigation which can be done in an institution and in our case it will be done in an educational institution in order to find the most suitable answers to our research questions.

3.3 Research methods

At this stage of this work it is crucial to point out the difference between research methodology and research methods. As we have seen in the previous part, research methodology is the way the researcher opts to use to solve the research problem, either he choose to do a case study, an action research, etc, while research method is the tools the researcher uses to collect data for his/her research methodology. Among the research methods we have non-participant direct observation, participant observation, questionnaires, interviews, surveys, etc. As far as this research work is concerned, the research methods that I will be using are observation, questionnaires and interviews.

3.3.1 Observation

Observation is mostly used when the object of study is the human subject in action. Observation is directed by a specific purpose, systematic, carefully focused and thoroughly recorded. However, it must be subject to the usual checks for accuracy, validity and reliability.

The observer must know just what to look for, being able to distinguish between the significant aspects and those that have little or no importance to the investigation.

In order to gain objectivity, accurate methods of measuring and recording are used, like checklist or scorecard. Possible observations are recorded through instruments like audio and video recorders and motion picture camera. Reliability and validity of observation is maintained when observation is made at regular intervals. In the context of my research project, observation is important since this type of data collection is simple and cheap, we can get actual information and we can get a deeper understanding of processes which surveys cannot obtain.
3.3.2 Questionnaire

Questionnaires are administered to groups of individuals. It has some advantages like offering the opportunity to establish rapport and to explain the purpose of the study to respondents. Mailed questionnaires are mostly used because it saves