MIXED METHODS
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• John W. Creswell is a professor of educational
psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
• teaches courses on mixed methods research,
qualitative inquiry, and general research design.
• has authored numerous scholarly journal articles,
book chapters, and books.
• a popular speaker on mixed methods in the United
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States and abroad.
“The emergence of mixed
methods as a third
methodological movement
in the social and behavioral
sciences began during the
1980’s.” (p. 697)
-Tashakkori &
Teddlie (2003)
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What is this Method Called?
Multi-method
Triangulation
Integrated
Combined
Quantitative and qualitative methods
Multi-methodology
Mixed methodology
Mixed-method
Mixed research
Mixed methods
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A Definition
Mixed methods research is a methodology for
conducting research that involves collecting, analyzing,
and integrating (or mixing) quantitative and qualitative
research (and data) in a single study or a longitudinal
program of inquiry.
The purpose of this form of research is that both
qualitative and quantitative research, in combination,
provide a better understanding of a research problem or
issue than either research approach alone.
Raises issues: how, what, where, why, value (of
mixing)
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Mixing
What
Data (Methods)
Qualitative and quantitative research
Philosophical assumptions
Where
Throughout the process of research
Data collection
Data analysis
Interpretation
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Value of “Mixing”
“What does mixed methods research provide that either
quantitative or qualitative research alone does not provide?”
Greene et al., (1989) identified five broad purposes or rationales
of mixing:
Triangulation (i.e., seeking convergence and corroboration
of results from different methods studying the same
phenomenon);
Complementarity (i.e., seeking elaboration, enhancement,
illustration, clarification of the results from one method with
results from the other method);
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Vale of mixing (Cont’d)
Development (i.e., using the results from one method
to help inform the other method);
Initiation (i.e., discovering paradoxes and
contradictions that lead to a reframing of the research
question); and
Expansion (i.e., seeking to expand the breadth and
range of inquiry by using different methods for
different inquiry components).
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Key characteristics of mixed
methods designs: Rationale
Rationale
Test findings of first phase
Explain in more detail results of first phase
Provide a more complete understanding than either
quantitative or qualitative alone
Collecting both qualitative and quantitative data
Numeric data
Text data
Key characteristics of mixed
methods designs: Rationale
Priority
Equal weight
Quan carries more weight than qual
Qual carries more weight than quan
Sequence
Collect both quantitative and qualitative data at the same time.
Collect quantitative data first, followed by qualitative data.
Collect qualitative data first followed by quantitative data.
TYPES OF MIXED
METHODS DESIGNS
I. Convergent parallel mixed methods Design
QUAN +
Interpretation
QUAL
Data and Results Data and Results
II. Explanatory sequential mixed methods Design
QUAN qual
Data and Results Data and Results
Follow-up
III. Exploratory sequential mixed methods Design
QUAL quan
Data and Results Building Data and Results
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A notation system for designs
Study #1 QUAL + QUAN
+ indicates the simultaneous or concurrent
collection
of quantitative and qualitative data.
Study #2 QUAN qual
Shows sequential collection of
quantitative and qualitative data
NOTATION USED
Uppercase letters indicate a priority or increased
weight for either quantitative and qualitative data .
Lowercase letters indicate a lower priority or weight
for either quantitative or qualitative data
1. Convergent parallel mixed
method design
Researcher gives priority to both quantitative
(QUAN) and qualitative (QUAL) data
Researcher collects both quantitative and
qualitative data simultaneously
Researcher compares the results from quantitative
and qualitative analysis to determine if the two
data bases yield similar or dissimilar results
2. Explanatory sequential
mixed method design
Researcher places priority on quantitative (QUAN)
data collection and analysis
Researcher collects quantitative data first in the
sequence
Researcher uses the qualitative data to refine the
results of the quantitative data.
3. Exploratory sequential
mixed design
Research emphasizes qualitative (QUAL) data
rather than quantitative (quan) data
Researcher has a sequence to data collection that
involves collecting qualitative data followed by
quantitative data
Researcher plans on the quantitative data to build
on or explain the initial qualitative findings
Evaluating a mixed methods
study
Does the study employ at least one quantitative
method and one qualitative method?
Is it called a mixed methods (or a similar term)
study?
Is there a rationale for why the author intends to
mix the methods in a single study and what will be
gained in the process?
Evaluating a mixed methods
study
Does the author indicate the type of mixed methods
study being presented?
Does the author mention the priority given to
quantitative and qualitative data and the sequence of
their use in the study?
Is the study feasible, given the data to be collected
and the amount of money, time, and expertise
required?
Evaluating a mixed methods
study
Have research questions been written for both
quantitative and qualitative methods in the study?
Have quantitative and qualitative data collection
procedures been clearly identified?
Are the procedures for data analysis consistent with
the type of mixed methods study being presented?
Is the written structure of the study consistent with
the type of mixed methods study being presented?
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