Abstract
Research in hydrological sciences is constantly evolving to provide
adequate answers to water-related issues. Methodological approaches
inspired by mathematical sciences and physical sciences have shaped
hydrological sciences from its beginnings to the present day. But
nowadays with the increasing complexity of hydrological phenomena,
hydrological sciences have integrated approaches from the social
sciences which provide missing information for the study of complex
hydrological objects which is the observation and perception of water
resources by users. A methodological approach: the mixed methods with
their different research designs make it possible to combine the
quantitative approaches of the physical and mathematical sciences and
the qualitative approaches of the social sciences to understand the
object of study and propose adequate solutions for its management. We
detail here, the use of mixed methods in research in flood hydrology, in
research on low flow conditions and on the management of these
hydrological extremes. Mixed methods contributions to these studies are
diverse and pragmatically relevant for hydrology. They range from the
densification of data on extreme flood events to reduce forecasting
uncertainties, to the production of knowledge on low-flow hydrological
states that are insufficiently documented and finally to support
participatory management decision-making about extreme hydrological
events and water management.