Education Mixed Methods Design
Goal
Design a mixed-methods study where quantitative and qualitative strands answer one integrated research purpose.
Inputs
- Research questions
- Quantitative variables/data
- Qualitative phenomenon/data
- Time/resources
- Which strand is dominant, if any
Workflow
- Choose design:
- Explanatory sequential: QUAN -> qual
- Exploratory sequential: QUAL -> quan
- Convergent parallel: QUAN + QUAL
- Embedded: one strand nested in intervention/evaluation
- Define integration point: design, sampling, analysis, interpretation, or reporting.
- Align data sources to subquestions.
- Plan separate analyses and integrated joint display.
- Draft mixed-methods method section.
Tool Calls
Quantitative:
SPSS, R, jamovi, JASP
Qualitative:
NVivo, MAXQDA, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose
Joint displays:
Excel/Sheets, R gt/flextable, PowerPoint, Mermaid
Output Format
| Strand | Question | Data | Analysis | Integration Role |
|---|
Include:
- Mixed-methods design rationale
- Sequence diagram
- Joint display template
- Integration discussion prompts
Quality Rules
- Mixed methods requires integration, not just two separate studies.
- State priority and sequence clearly.
- Explain contradictions between strands rather than hiding them.