MIXED METHOD RESEARCH

Cherry Canceran - Lomibao

Jommavel Joy Pellizer
Presenter
 I. LESSON OUTLINE
 DEFINITION & PURPOSE OF MIXED METHODS RESEARCH
 DESIGNING A MIXED METHODS STUDY
 INTEGRATING A QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DATA

II. DEFINITION OF MIXED METHOD RESEARCH

Mixed method research combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to

capitalize on the strengths of both approaches. It involves collecting, analyzing, and
integrating both types of data in a single study or a series of studies.

•Qualitative Data: Provides rich, in-depth insights.

•Quantitative Data: Offers measurable and statistical analysis.

•Integration: Combining both to address research questions.

Mixed methods can help you gain a more complete picture than a standalone quantitative or
qualitative study, as it integrates benefits of both methods. It is often used in the behavioral,
health, and social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational
or societal research.

The purpose of mixed methods research is to provide a more complete understanding of a

research problem than either method could offer independently.

To corroborate findings from both qualitative and quantitative data. Better understanding
can be obtained by triangulating one set of results with another and thereby enhancing the
validity of inferences.

To use different data sources to complement each other. Elaboration or clarification of the
results from one method with the findings from the other method.

TRIANGULATION

COMPLEMENTARITY

To use results from one method to inform the other (e.g., using qualitative data to develop a
quantitative survey). When the researcher uses the results from one method to help
develop the use of the other method.

DEVELOPMENT

INITIATION

Generate new insights and perspectives by analyzing inconsistencies between qualitative

and quantitative data
To explore different aspects of a complex research problem. Seeking to extend the breadth
and range of inquiry by using different methods for different inquiry components.

EXPANSION

WHEN TO USE MIXED METHOD RESEARCH?

Complex Research Questions:

When a research question is too complex to be answered by only qualitative or quantitative

methods.

Need for Broad & In-Depth Data:

When you need both numerical data and personal experiences to fully understand a
phenomenon.

Exploratory & Confirmatory Phases:

To explore a phenomenon qualitatively and then confirm findings with quantitative

methods.

1.Convergent Parallel Design - In a convergent parallel design, you collect quantitative and
qualitative data at the same time and analyze them separately. After both analyses are
complete, compare your results to draw overall conclusions.

Example:

In your research on cycling safety in Amsterdam, you undertake both sides of your research
simultaneously:

On the qualitative side, you analyze cyclist complaints via the city’s database and on social
media to find out which areas are perceived as dangerous and why.

On the quantitative side, you analyze accident reports in the city’s database to find out how
frequently accidents occur in different areas of the city

2. Explanatory sequential design - your quantitative data collection and analysis occurs first,
followed by qualitative data collection and analysis. You should use this design if you think
your qualitative data will explain and contextualize your quantitative findings.

Example: Explanatory sequential

You analyze the accident statistics first and draw preliminary conclusions about which
areas are most dangerous. Based on these findings, you conduct interviews with cyclists in
high-accident areas and analyze complaints qualitatively.
You can utilize the qualitative data to explain why accidents occur on specific roads, and
take a deep dive into particular problem areas.

3. Exploratory sequential - In an exploratory sequential design, qualitative data collection

and analysis occurs first, followed by quantitative data collection and analysis. You can use
this design to first explore initial questions and develop hypotheses. Then you can use the
quantitative data to test or confirm your qualitative findings.

Example: Exploratory sequential design

You first interview cyclists to develop an initial understanding of problem areas, and draw
preliminary conclusions. Then you analyze accident statistics to test whether cyclist
perceptions line up with where accidents occur.

Embedded Design - One method (qualitative or quantitative) is dominant, while the other
plays a supportive role.

•What is the key research question you want to address? Why does it need both qualitative
and quantitative methods?

STEP 1: DEFINE THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

STEPS IN DESIGNING A MIXED METHOD STUDY

STEP 2: CHOOSE THE MIXED METHOD DESIGN

•Select the design that best fits your research goals (convergent, sequential, etc.).

•Quantitative Methods: Surveys, experiments, statistical data.

•Qualitative Methods: Interviews, focus groups, case studies, observations.

STEP 3: IDENTIFY DATA COLLECTION METHODS

STEPS IN DESIGNING A MIXED METHOD STUDY

STEP 4: DETERMINE THE SEQUENCE OF DATA COLLECTION

•Will you collect qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously or sequentially?

•Qualitative Data Collection:

•Methods such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended questions. It explores deep,
contextual insights.

•Quantitative Data Collection:

•Structured methods such as surveys, experiments, or numerical data gathering for
statistical analysis.

•Sampling Techniques:

•Qualitative: Purposive, snowball sampling.

•Quantitative: Random, stratified sampling.

STEPS IN DESIGNING A MIXED METHOD STUDY

DATA COLLECTION STRATEGIES

•Qualitative data analysis: Thematic analysis, coding, narrative analysis.

•Quantitative data analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistics.

STEP 5: ANALYZE DATA SEPARATELY OR TOGETHER

STEPS IN DESIGNING A MIXED METHOD STUDY

•STEP 6: INTEGRATION OF DATA

•Integrate the findings from both methods to develop comprehensive conclusions.

•Convergent design: Compare and contrast findings.

•Sequential design: Use one set of results to inform the next phase.

Integrating qualitative and quantitative data can improve the value of research by
combining different ways of knowing and balancing the strengths and limitations of each
type of data.

INTEGRATING QUALITATIVE & QUANTITATIVE DATA

•Comprehensive Insights:

Combining the strengths of both data types provides richer, more complete findings.

•Triangulation:

Using multiple methods and data sources to validate and cross-check results.

•Complementarity:

Qualitative data explains or enhances understanding of quantitative results and vice versa.

Why integrate data?

MERGING
Combine the data for joint analysis.

Qualitative and quantitative data are collected and analyzed separately but then combined
for a joint analysis.

•Example: Comparing survey results (quantitative) with interview themes (qualitative) to

identify commonalities.

APPROACHES TO DATA INTEGRATION

MERGING

Combine the data for joint analysis.

Qualitative and quantitative data are collected and analyzed separately but then combined
for a joint analysis.

•Example: Comparing survey results (quantitative) with interview themes (qualitative) to

identify commonalities.

APPROACHES TO DATA INTEGRATION

EXPLORATORY SEQUENTIAL DESIGN

This design collects qualitative data first, then quantitative data. For example, to study how
parents interact with their children, you could conduct interviews first, then use a survey to
measure these interactions.

CONVERGENT PARALLEL DESIGN

This design collects qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously and independently,
then analyzes the results. For example, one team could conduct ethnographic research at
customer locations, while another team surveys customers on the same product experience.
The teams would then compare and contrast the results to look for patterns.

SIDE-BY-SIDE DISPLAY

This display integrates qualitative data into an experiment. For example, you could create a
side-by-side display to compare patient experiences with their quantitative data.

TABLE OR GRID

You can organize data in a table or grid that includes both qualitative and quantitative data
for each participant. This can help you identify where the data fits together and where there
are contradictions.

JOINT DISPLAY TABLES OR GRAPHS:

•A side-by-side visual representation that displays both qualitative and quantitative data
together.

•Example:

•In a health study: a table that compares patient satisfaction scores (quantitative) with
patient narratives (qualitative) to highlight alignment or contradictions.

2. CONNECTING DATA

One dataset informs or follows from the other.

Use one set of results (e.g., qualitative themes) to inform the next method (e.g., quantitative
survey questions).

Example: Using qualitative results (e.g., themes from focus groups) to design a quantitative
survey.

APPROACHES TO DATA INTEGRATION

•Collect one form of data first (usually quantitative or qualitative), then use those findings
to inform the second phase of data collection.

•Example:

A survey reveals that 60% of employees are dissatisfied with workplace policies
(quantitative). In-depth interviews are then conducted to explore why employees feel
dissatisfied (qualitative).

HOW IT WORKS?

EXPLORATORY SEQUENTIAL DESIGN

Collect qualitative data first, then use the findings to inform the quantitative data collection.
For example, you could use focus group results to design survey questions that focus on
topics that are important to participants.

EXPLANATORY SEQUENTIAL DESIGN

Collect quantitative data first, then use qualitative data to explain the quantitative findings
in more detail. For example, you could use focus groups to explore how individuals'
personal experiences match up with instrument results about costs.

Here are some examples of connecting qualitative and quantitative research:

WEAVING DATA TOGETHER

Consider each case individually by organizing qualitative and quantitative data from each
participant in a table or grid. This can help you identify where the data fits together and
where there are contradictions.

Here are some examples of connecting qualitative and quantitative research:

3. EMBEDDING DATA

One type of data plays a supportive role within the primary method.

One method is embedded within the other to provide support or validation.

Example: Embedding open-ended qualitative questions within a quantitative survey.

APPROACHES TO DATA INTEGRATION

•Collect one dominant form of data (e.g., a large-scale survey) but include a subset of
qualitative data (e.g., open-ended responses) to enrich the findings.

•Example:

A quantitative study on student performance embeds focus group discussions within the
design to understand emotional factors influencing scores.

HOW IT WORKS?

TESTING CYCLIST COMPLAINTS

In a quantitative study that tests if the number of cyclist complaints correlates with the
number of accidents, you could embed qualitative interviews with cyclists who submitted
complaints.

SURVEYING STUDENTS

You could survey students about their opinions of an online learning platform, and then
conduct individual interviews to gain further insight into their responses.

EVALUATING A MARKETING STRATEGY

You could gather quantitative data from an experiment with a control and a treatment
group, and then incorporate qualitative data from interviews and feedback forms within the
treatment group.

Here are some examples of embedding qualitative and quantitative research:

TECHNIQUES FOR DATA INTEGRATION

1. Joint Displays: Use matrices or charts to show qualitative themes alongside

corresponding quantitative results.
2. Narrative Integration: Write a cohesive narrative that combines insights from both
datasets. Example: "Survey results showed high satisfaction rates, while interviews revealed
satisfaction stemmed from supportive management."

3. Data Transformation: Convert one type of data into another. Example: Turn qualitative
themes into numerical codes or vice versa, where quantitative data is used to generate
qualitative interpretations.

VISUALIZING DATA INTEGRATION

•Bar Charts with Qualitative Annotations:

Quantitative findings are visualized with bar charts, while qualitative insights are added as
text annotations for richer interpretation.

•Example:

A bar chart showing high levels of job stress is accompanied by a qualitative note,
“Employees cite lack of work-life balance as the main cause.”

BEST PRACTICES FOR EFFECTIVE DATA INTEGRATION

•Plan Ahead:

Think about how you will integrate data early in the study design.

•Use Visual Tools:

Joint displays, tables, and charts can help present integrated findings.

•Address clearly Contradictions:

Acknowledge and explain when qualitative and quantitative data do not align, offering
possible reasons or interpretations.

•Maintain Rigor in Both Methods:

Ensure that both datasets are rigorously collected and analyzed before integration.

CHALLENGES IN INTEGRATING DATA

1. Contradictory Findings:

Qualitative and quantitative data may point to different conclusions. This requires careful
interpretation and explanation.

2. Time-Intensive:

The process of data integration requires additional time for data collection, analysis, and
interpretation.
3. Expertise in Both Methods:

Requires researchers to be skilled in both qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure

proper integration.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL DATA INTEGRATION

Example 1: Education Research

A study on student learning outcomes uses test scores (quantitative) alongside student
interviews (qualitative) to explore how teaching methods impact engagement and
performance.

Example 2: Healthcare Research

Quantitative data on patient recovery rates is combined with qualitative data from patient
feedback to improve the quality of care.

CONCLUSION

•Integrating qualitative and quantitative data in mixed methods research provides deeper
insights, strengthens findings, and allows for a more nuanced understanding of research
problems.