Final answer:
Multi-strategy research helps by revealing the macro and the micro levels of a phenomenon, allowing researchers to address complex problems and control lurking variables. It also adds depth by reinterpreting existing data in new ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
Multi-strategy research can help study different aspects of a phenomenon by revealing both the macro and the micro-level aspects of social trends. By employing various methods such as experiments, surveys, participant observation, ethnography, case studies, and secondary data analysis, researchers can obtain a holistic view of the subject in question. For instance, surveys might be used to understand general patterns across a large population (macro), while in-depth interviews could be employed to get a deeper understanding of individual experiences (micro).
Additionally, the use of multiple methods allows researchers to address complex problems through a process called ceteris paribus, which involves looking at the effect of one factor at a time. Researchers can isolate individual factors to study their specific effects, and then integrate these findings into a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. This approach also assists in controlling for lurking variables, ensuring a more scientifically sound conclusion.
Moreover, secondary data analysis can add depth by allowing researchers to re-interpret existing data in new ways, which may not have been considered by the original study. By examining multiple aspects through different research methods, multi-strategy research provides a robust framework for understanding the nuance and complexity inherent in social phenomena.