Choosing A Mixed Methods Design
Choosing A Mixed Methods Design
Choosing A Mixed Methods Design
In this module, different types of mixed methods research designs will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss key considerations when designing a mixed methods approach and the
fundamental principle of mixed methods research.
Explain the types of mixed method designs and when they may be used.
Developing a mixed methods research design can be challenging. Researchers must choose the
appropriate quantitative and qualitative approaches necessary to answer the research question
and design their mixed methods project using those approaches. There are many ways combine
these approaches and there are no rigid formulas for designing a mixed methods
project. However, the following guidelines may be helpful for a researcher to consider as he or
she designs the overall methodology of the project.
Consider your own philosophy and comfort level with quantitative and qualitative
approaches.
Spend time considering your resources, including time, skills and funding. Be certain that
the approaches you select are realistic for your timeframes and parameters.
List the goals/aims of each part of the study and determine whether these portions of the
study will require quantitative or qualitative methods.
The fundamental principle of mixed methods research is that the researcher will use a mix
of quantitative and qualitative methods that have complementary strengths and do not
have overlapping weaknesses. Haphazardly choosing quantitative and qualitative
approaches will result in poor results. Choosing the appropriate methods to mix in the
study requires logical and purposeful thought and planning.
Consider methods of data collection for both the quantitative and qualitative approaches
in the design. What type of data will be collected? When will it be collected? Will the data
be collected simultaneously (concurrent designs) or in different stages of the project
(sequential designs? How will it be integrated? How will it impact other parts of the study?
Consider how the data collected may impact the development of the study over time. Will
it be a pre-determined fixed methodology throughout the project? Or will is it best suited
to an emergent methodology that is flexible and may change over time based on data being
collected?
Once the researcher has considered the factors listed above, he or she can use that information
to choose an overall mixed methods design. Following is a list of six mixed methods design
strategies as developed by Dr. John Creswell (2003), a leading expert in mixed methods research.
Sequential Explanatory Design – This method is a two phase design where the quantitative
data is collected first followed by qualitative data collection. The purpose is to use the
qualitative results to further explain and interpret the findings from the quantitative
phase. For example, a survey may be used to collect quantitative data from a larger
group. Members of that group may then later be selected for interviews where they can
explain and offer insights into their survey answers.
Sequential Exploratory Design – This method is also a two phase design. The qualitative
data is collected first, followed by collection and analysis of quantitative data. The purpose
of this design is to develop an instrument (such as a survey), to develop a classification for
testing, or to identify variables. Using the information from journals or diaries to develop
an appropriate survey to administer to a larger sample would be an example of this design.
Sequential Transformative Design – This type of design also has two phases, but allows
the theoretical perspective of the researcher to guide the study and determine the order
of data collection. The results from both methods are integrated together at the end of the
study during the interpretation phase.
Concurrent Triangulation Design – In this design, qualitative and quantitative data are
collected concurrently in one phase. The data is analyzed separately and then compared
and/or combined. An example would be if a researcher collected survey data and interview
data at the same time and compared the results. This method is used to confirm, cross-
validate or corroborate findings. It is often used to overcome a weakness in one method
with the strengths of another. It can also be useful in expanding quantitative data through
collection of open-ended qualitative data.
Concurrent Nested (Embedded) Design – This design includes one phase of data collection
in which priority is given to one approach that guides the project, while the other approach
is embedded or nested into the project and provides a supporting role. The embedded
approach is often addressing a different question then the primary research question.
REFERENCE:
https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/research_ready/mixed_methods/choosin
g_design