4. Module: MIXED METHODS DESIGNS

In Module 4, the reader is guided through the intricacies of mixed methods research, a powerful approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This module is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of mixed methods designs, making them accessible and easy to apply for researchers at all levels. It therefore implies that the reader has gained the basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research designs.

The module begins with a brief overview of the mixed methods research process, setting the stage for a deeper exploration. It explains the fundamental elements of mixed methods research, including its theoretical underpinnings, and provides clear guidance on how to write effective mixed methods research questions. Additionally, the module introduces the notation system, a critical framework for organising and understanding mixed methods designs.

Following the introduction, the module delves into the basic characteristics of a mixed methods research process. The reader is introduced to the essential components and considerations for conducting mixed methods research, including how to integrate qualitative and quantitative approaches within a cohesive study.

The second part of the module focuses on six primary mixed methods designs, offering a detailed explanation of each one. These include the sequential explanatory design, the sequential exploratory design, the sequential transformative design, the concurrent triangulation design, the concurrent embedded design, and the concurrent transformative design.

The module is structured to help the reader grasp both the theoretical concepts and practical applications of mixed methods research. Each chapter is organised around specific learning objectives, ensuring that the reader gains a clear understanding of the concepts and tools necessary for designing and conducting mixed methods studies.

By the end of this module, the reader will have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to use a variety of mixed methods designs in their own research. Whether the goal is to triangulate data, explore complex phenomena, or integrate diverse data sources, the methods introduced in this module will provide the reader with a comprehensive toolkit for conducting rigorous mixed methods research.

This module is intended to inspire and empower researchers to explore the potential of mixed methods research, offering both the theoretical foundation and practical tools necessary for successful combining of qualitative and quantitative approaches in their studies.

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

Objective 1 – Explain the fundamentals of mixed methods research.

Objective 2 – Explain the mixed methods theory use.

Objective 3 – Describe how mixed methods research questions are written

 

 

Chapter 2. MIXED METHODS DESIGNS

Objective 1 – Introduce Morse’s notation system.

Objective 2 – Highlight the primary characteristics of a mixed methods design process.

Objective 3 – Explain the fundamentals of the sequential explanatory design.

Objective 4 – Explain the fundamentals of the sequential exploratory design.

Objective 5 – Explain the fundamentals of the sequential transformative design.

Objective 6 – Explain the fundamentals of the concurrent triangulation design.

Objective 7 – Explain the fundamentals of the concurrent embedded design.

Objective 8 – Explain the fundamentals of the concurrent transformative design.

The main focus of interest in Module 4 is the explanation of different mixed methods designs. In order to make mixed methods designs easier to understand, at the beggining of the module a brief general outline of the mixed methods research process is provided, together with the explanation of the mixed methods theory use, and guidance on writing mixed methods research questions. Morse’s notation system is explained, as well. It is followed by a detailed description of the primary characteristics of a mixed methods design process. The final part of the module provides an overview of each of the six main mixed methods designs.

Module 4 comprises the following chapters:

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Mixed Methods Designs

 

Authors

Ivana Marinković, MA

Ljubica Diković, PhD

Vesna Vasović, PhD

Western Serbia Academy of Applied Studies

Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage.

Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage.

Creswell, J. W., Hanson, W. E., Clark Plano, V. L. (2007). Qualitative research designs. The Counselling  Psychologist, 35(2), 236–264.

Dörnyei, Z. (2007). Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Greene, J. C., & Caracelli, V. J. (1997). Advances in mixed-methods evaluation: The challenges and benefits of integrating diverse paradigms: New directions for evaluation. Willey.

Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 11(3), 255–274.

Guest, G. (2013). Describing mixed methods research: An alternative to typologies. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 7(2), 141–151.

Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. B. (2017). Educational Research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. Sage.

Mertens, D. M. (1998). Research methods in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative and qualitative approaches. Sage.

Morse J. M. & Niehaus, L. (2009). Mixed method design: Principles and procedures. Left Coast Press Inc.

Morse J. M. (1991). Evaluating qualitative research. Qualitative Health Research, 1(3), 283–286.

Schoonenboom, J., & Johnson, R. B. (2017). How to construct a mixed methods research design. Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie, 69(2), 107–131.

Tashakkori, A., & Creswell, J. W. (2007). Editorial: Exploring the nature of research questions in mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(3), 207–211.