Mixed-Approach

Designs
Carlos Fernando Vargas Badillo & Juan Diego León Amaya
What is Mixed Methods Research
Design?
 A procedure for collecting, analyzing,
and “mixing” both quantitative and
qualitative methods in a single study or Assumption
a series of studies. (Creswell, 2012. p. 535)

The uses of both quantitative and

▪ A mixed methods study involves the qualitative methods, in combination,
collection of both quantitative and provide a better understanding of the
qualitative data in a single study. research problem and question than
(Dorney, 2007. p. 163) either method by itself.

▪ Mixed methods research (combining

qualitative and quantitative research
methods and analysis) is becoming
increasingly popular and more clearly
articulated within classroom research.
(Williams, 2015. p. 101)

2
When to conduct a Mixed Method
Study?
▪ When you have both quantitative and qualitative data and they both
provide a better understanding of your research problem than either
on their own.

▪ If you seek to build on the strengths of both quantitative and

qualitative data.
[outcomes of a study + the process = “a complex” picture of social phenomenon]

▪ When one type of research is not enough.

▪ When you want to provide an alternative perspective in a study.

Creswell, 2012. p. 535

3
The Development of Mixed
Methods Research
Synthesis
Methods

Integrating Quan & Qual

Methods Methods

Mixed
Methods

Mixed
Multimethod
Methodology

Creswell, 2013. p. 266

4
The Development of Mixed
Methods Research
▪ 1959  Campbell and Fiske
The Multitrait-Multimethod Approach.
Determine how variables are closely related.

 1973  Sieber Phenomenom

Combination of case study with surveys

(New style of Research)
Quantitative and Qualitative data (Integration)

▪ 1979  Jick Source 1 Source 1

“Triangulation”
Creswell, 2012. 5
The Development of Mixed
Methods Research
▪ 1980s-1990s  Paradigm Debate
Differing “World Views”
Can quantitative and qualitative data really be mixed?

 Interest for Mixed Methods increased.

 Reflective Period
Creswell, 2012.
____________________________________________________________________

▪ 1995-2005  Applied Linguistics

Dorney, 2007. 6
Types of Mixed
Method Designs
Basic Designs
Advanced Designs
Basic Designs

• The Convergent Design

• The Convergent Design • The Embedded Design
• The Explanatory Sequential
• The Explanatory Sequential • The Transformative Design
Design
Design • TheExploratory
MultiphaseSequential
Design
• The
• The Exploratory Sequential Design
Design
Creswell, 2012.

7
1. The Convergent Design

8 Creswell, 2012.
9 Creswell, 2013.
2. The Explanatory
Sequential Design

10 Creswell, 2012.
Multiple methods are used to examine aspects of resilience and recovery in the lives of
female survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) across 7 years of early adulthood. First
quantitative changes in measures of resilience over time were examined. To what extent did
women stay the same, increase, or decrease in functioning in a variety of sphere across 7
years during early adulthood? Next, the role of re-traumatization as an impediment to
ongoing resilience and correlates of growth or increased well-being over time were
examined. Finally, because resilient processes in adulthood have not been the focus of much
research and require further description, qualitative data from a subset of participants was
used to examine survivors’ own narratives about recovery and healing to learn about key
aspects of resilience in women’s own words.

11 Creswell, 2013.
3. The Exploratory
Sequential Design

12
Creswell, 2012.
13 Creswell, 2013.
3. The Embedded Design

14 Creswell, 2012.
15 Creswell, 2012.
3. The Transformative
Design

16 Creswell, 2013.
17 Creswell, 2013.
3. The Multiphase Design

18 Creswell, 2012.
19 Creswell, 2013.
 Recommended Mixed
Reasons for Choosing Mixed Methods Expected Outcomes
Methods Design

Comparing different perspectives drawn Merging the two databases to show how the Convergent parallel mixed
from quantitative and qualitative data data convergent or diverge methods design

Explaining quantitative results with A more in-depth understanding of the Explanatory sequential mixed methods
qualitative data quantitative results (often cultural relevance) design

A test of better measures for a sample of a Exploratory sequential

Developing better measurement instruments
population mixed methods design

An understanding of participant views

Understanding experimental results by Embedded mixed methods
within the context of an experimental
incorporating perspectives of individuals design
intervention

Developing an understanding of needed Transformative mixed

A call for action
changes for a marginalized group methods design

Understanding the need for an impact of an Multiphase mixed methods

A formative and summative evaluation
intervention program 20 design
Characteristics of Mixed Methods
Designs

▪ Provide a rationale for the design.

▪ Include collecting quantitative and
qualitative data.
▪ Consider priority.
▪ Consider sequence.
▪ Match the data analysis to a design.
▪ Diagram the procedures.
Creswell, 2012. 21
Potential Ethical Issues

 Quantitative issues relate to obtaining permissions,

protecting anonymity of respondents, not disrupting sites,
and communicating the purposes for the study.

 In qualitative research, these issues relate to conveying the

purpose of the study, avoiding deceptive practices, respecting
vulnerable populations, being aware of potential power
issues in data collection, respecting indigenous cultures, not
disclosing sensitive information, and masking the identities of
participants.

Creswell, 2012. p. 553

22
Potential Ethical Issues

▪ In a convergent design, the quantitative and qualitative

sample sizes may be different.

 In an explanatory design, it may not have clear link and

participant’s permission may not be given.

▪ In an embedded design, conducting initial qualitative

interviews to build an intervention before an experiment may
be helpful in designing the intervention.

Creswell, 2012. p. 554

23
The Steps in
Conducting a
Mixed Methods
Study

Creswell, 2012. 24
Bibliography
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: planning, conducting and
evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative research. Boston, MA: PEARSON.

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: qualitative, quantitative and mixed

methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE.

Dornyei, Z. (2007). Research methods in applied linguistics: quantitative,

qualitative and mixed methodologies. Oxford: Oxford university press.

Williams, K. M. (2015). Doing research to improve teaching and learning: a

guide for college and university faculty. New York: Routledge.

25
Thanks!
Any questions?

26