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• Mixed Methods Research | Definition, Guide & Examples

Mixed Methods Research | Definition, Guide & Examples

Published on August 13, 2021 by Tegan George . Revised on June 22, 2023.

Mixed methods research combines elements of quantitative research and qualitative research in order to answer your research question . Mixed methods can help you gain a more complete picture than a standalone quantitative or qualitative study, as it integrates benefits of both methods.

Mixed methods research is often used in the behavioral, health, and social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research.

• To what extent does the frequency of traffic accidents ( quantitative ) reflect cyclist perceptions of road safety ( qualitative ) in Amsterdam?
• How do student perceptions of their school environment ( qualitative ) relate to differences in test scores ( quantitative ) ?
• How do interviews about job satisfaction at Company X ( qualitative ) help explain year-over-year sales performance and other KPIs ( quantitative ) ?
• How can voter and non-voter beliefs about democracy ( qualitative ) help explain election turnout patterns ( quantitative ) in Town X?
• How do average hospital salary measurements over time (quantitative) help to explain nurse testimonials about job satisfaction (qualitative) ?

Table of contents

When to use mixed methods research, mixed methods research designs, advantages of mixed methods research, disadvantages of mixed methods research, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions.

Mixed methods research may be the right choice if your research process suggests that quantitative or qualitative data alone will not sufficiently answer your research question. There are several common reasons for using mixed methods research:

• Generalizability : Qualitative research usually has a smaller sample size , and thus is not generalizable. In mixed methods research, this comparative weakness is mitigated by the comparative strength of “large N,” externally valid quantitative research.
• Contextualization: Mixing methods allows you to put findings in context and add richer detail to your conclusions. Using qualitative data to illustrate quantitative findings can help “put meat on the bones” of your analysis.
• Credibility: Using different methods to collect data on the same subject can make your results more credible. If the qualitative and quantitative data converge, this strengthens the validity of your conclusions. This process is called triangulation .

As you formulate your research question , try to directly address how qualitative and quantitative methods will be combined in your study. If your research question can be sufficiently answered via standalone quantitative or qualitative analysis, a mixed methods approach may not be the right fit.

But mixed methods might be a good choice if you want to meaningfully integrate both of these questions in one research study.

Keep in mind that mixed methods research doesn’t just mean collecting both types of data; you need to carefully consider the relationship between the two and how you’ll integrate them into coherent conclusions.

Mixed methods can be very challenging to put into practice, and comes with the same risk of research biases as standalone studies, so it’s a less common choice than standalone qualitative or qualitative research.

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There are different types of mixed methods research designs . The differences between them relate to the aim of the research, the timing of the data collection , and the importance given to each data type.

As you design your mixed methods study, also keep in mind:

• Your research approach ( inductive vs deductive )
• Your research questions
• What kind of data is already available for you to use
• What kind of data you’re able to collect yourself.

Here are a few of the most common mixed methods designs.

Convergent parallel

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.

• 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.

In an embedded design, you collect and analyze both types of data at the same time, but within a larger quantitative or qualitative design. One type of data is secondary to the other.

This is a good approach to take if you have limited time or resources. You can use an embedded design to strengthen or supplement your conclusions from the primary type of research design.

Explanatory sequential

In an 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.

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.

“Best of both worlds” analysis

Combining the two types of data means you benefit from both the detailed, contextualized insights of qualitative data and the generalizable , externally valid insights of quantitative data. The strengths of one type of data often mitigate the weaknesses of the other.

For example, solely quantitative studies often struggle to incorporate the lived experiences of your participants, so adding qualitative data deepens and enriches your quantitative results.

Solely qualitative studies are often not very generalizable, only reflecting the experiences of your participants, so adding quantitative data can validate your qualitative findings.

Method flexibility

Mixed methods are less tied to disciplines and established research paradigms. They offer more flexibility in designing your research, allowing you to combine aspects of different types of studies to distill the most informative results.

Mixed methods research can also combine theory generation and hypothesis testing within a single study, which is unusual for standalone qualitative or quantitative studies.

Mixed methods research is very labor-intensive. Collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing two types of data into one research product takes a lot of time and effort, and often involves interdisciplinary teams of researchers rather than individuals. For this reason, mixed methods research has the potential to cost much more than standalone studies.

Differing or conflicting results

If your analysis yields conflicting results, it can be very challenging to know how to interpret them in a mixed methods study. If the quantitative and qualitative results do not agree or you are concerned you may have confounding variables , it can be unclear how to proceed.

Due to the fact that quantitative and qualitative data take two vastly different forms, it can also be difficult to find ways to systematically compare the results, putting your data at risk for bias in the interpretation stage.

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If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Degrees of freedom
• Null hypothesis
• Discourse analysis
• Control groups
• Non-probability sampling
• Quantitative research
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Research bias

• Rosenthal effect
• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Selection bias
• Negativity bias
• Status quo bias

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

Data collection is the systematic process by which observations or measurements are gathered in research. It is used in many different contexts by academics, governments, businesses, and other organizations.

Triangulation in research means using multiple datasets, methods, theories and/or investigators to address a research question. It’s a research strategy that can help you enhance the validity and credibility of your findings.

Triangulation is mainly used in qualitative research , but it’s also commonly applied in quantitative research . Mixed methods research always uses triangulation.

These are four of the most common mixed methods designs :

• Convergent parallel: Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time and analyzed separately. After both analyses are complete, compare your results to draw overall conclusions. 
• Embedded: Quantitative and qualitative data are collected at the same time, but within a larger quantitative or qualitative design. One type of data is secondary to the other.
• Explanatory sequential: Quantitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by qualitative data. You can use this design if you think your qualitative data will explain and contextualize your quantitative findings.
• Exploratory sequential: Qualitative data is collected and analyzed first, followed by quantitative data. You can use this design if you think the quantitative data will confirm or validate your qualitative findings.

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Ten steps to producing a successful mixed methods dissertation in Evidence-Based Health Care

9 June 2017

Tips for students

This blog is part of a series for Evidence-Based Health Care MSc students undertaking their dissertations, by Research Assistant Alice Tompson.

I thought Margaret Głogowska would be a great person to chat to about the opportunities and challenges of writing a mixed-methods thesis. Margaret has loads of research experience and co-coordinates the  Mixed Methods  Evidence-Based Health Care module.

Here are her top tips for writing a successful mixed methods dissertation:

1) Start writing as soon as you can

Beginning to write your dissertation can be daunting – a blank screen can be very intimidating! Margaret suggests the methods section can be a good place to start. Writing what you are doing, and how to you are doing it is, often more straightforward than writing why you’re doing it or describing or discussing your results. Plus it’ll help you identify any holes in your research plans.

2) Mixed methods isn’t a game of two halves

Margaret explains that a common mistake is to think of mixed methods studies as having to have two components. In fact, they have three: in addition to the quantitative and qualitative strands, successful dissertations will pull these together to provide insight greater than the sum of the parts. This doesn’t only relate to the results: be sure to include your plans for integration in your methods section too. This article by  Jenny Burt  gives some further advice on “ following the mixed methods trail ”.

3) Think about the structure

When writing up her own work, Margaret reflects on,  “What’s a good way to bring this together to answer my research question? ” You could follow a typical quantitative approach where each component is reported sequentially (i.e. quantitative, qualitative, integration). However, you could adopt a more qualitative approach organising your results by themes, each illustrated with qualitative and quantitative data. Think about which structure will enable you to present the fullest picture of the issue you are investigating.  In this article,  Alicia O’Cathain  and colleagues describe three approaches to integrating mixed methods data.

4) It’s not about the “right answer”

Don’t be disheartened if the results from the different components of your study are not in agreement. Instead of attempting to establish which is more valid, use dissonant findings as an opportunity to return to your datasets to explore the reasons for these differences. This will enrich your understanding and enable a full account to be presented.

5) Embrace the flexibility

Mixed methods studies are a relatively recent development that can take many forms. As a result, there are not currently any reporting standards that students can use to structure their work. Although this can be daunting, Margaret encourages students to use this freedom to work to their advantage. Be creative and flexible to enable you to present a rich, complete account of your work.

6) Be systematic and rigorous

Although mixed methods offer flexibility, this must not be at the expense of rigor or transparency.  When writing up provide enough detail for your examiners/ readers to be able to replicate your methods and analyses. Justify the approaches you took and the decisions you made.  Enable them to follow the story.

7) Read the literature

The field of mixed methods is advancing all the time. Refer to the literature for methodological developments, for example how to display data, and also to see how published studies reported their mixed method projects.

To get you started, here are three helpful papers Margaret uses as teaching examples:

• Van den Bruel et al  (2016) C-reactive protein point-of-care testing in acutely ill children: a mixed methods study in primary care. Archives of Disease in Childhood 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309228
• Moffat et al  (2006) Using quantitative and qualitative data in health services research – what happens when mixed method findings conflict? BMC Health Services Research, 6:28 doi:10.1186/1472-6963-6-28
• Casey et al  (2014) A mixed methods study exploring the factors and behaviours that affect glycemic control following a structured education program: the Irish DAFNE study. Journal of Mixed Methods Research 10(2):182-203

She also recommends the work of  Alan Bryman , a pioneer in combining qualitative and quantitative research.

8) Fortune favours the prepared!

Keep your research notebook with you: it will allow you to keep track of ideas, useful references, and helpful conversations. Fortune favours the prepared so always keep your notebook close to hand!

9) Be concise

Word limits are a perennial issue in mixed methods research. Two methods plus integration means there is a lot of information to convey. No word can be superfluous and it may take several drafts to cut out the clutter. Use tables and appendices to  “make the most of your precious word count”.

10) Final steps – publishing your thesis

The value of mixed methods, particularly in applied health research, is increasingly being recognised.  Based on her own experience, Margaret suggests contacting journal editors for advice on how to tailor your manuscript for their particular audience to increase your chances of it being accepted.

  If you are interested in learning more about the Evidence-Based Health Care module: “Mixed- Methods in Health Research” take a look  here .

Dissertation Research—Planning, Researching, Publishing

• Getting Started
• Find Dissertations
• Dissertation Process
• Library Database Searching
• Staying Current
• Qualitative
• Quantitive Research
• Mixed Methods Research
• Dissertation & Fellowship Funding

Mixed methods research is an approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative forms. It involves philosophical assumptions, and the mixing of qualitative and quantitative approaches in tandem so that the overall strength of a study is greater than either qualitative or quantitative methods ( Creswell, 2007 ) .

Video: Mixed Methods Research

Below is a sampling of books on the subject of "mixed methods research" owned by GW and consortium libraries. Click the book image and it will take you to the item in the library catalog, where you can request it.

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• Last Updated: Jun 5, 2024 2:48 PM
• URL: https://libguides.gwu.edu/dissertation

Developing a Mixed Methods Proposal

A practical guide for beginning researchers.

Thesis & Dissertation Guides | Research Design | Mixed Methods Research

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Chapter 1. why a guide for developing mixed methods proposals, chapter 2. the role of theory in mixed methods research, the role of research questions, chapter 4. the mixed methods proposal introduction, chapter 5. the literature review: situating your mixed methods study in the larger context, chapter 6. mixed methods designs: frameworks for organizing your research methods, chapter 7. the heart of the mixed methods research plan: discussing your methods section, chapter 8. a little lagniappe…a little something extra, chapter 9. an example of a real-world mixed methods research: the racial microaggressions study proposal.

• Chapter-opening Learning Objectives provide readers with a road map to each chapter’s topics.
• A practical, accessible “Practice Session” in each chapter includes guided questions, exercises, and extra resources to help novice researchers master each step in the mixed methods research process.
• “Sample Sessions” following the “Practice Sessions” use a real-world research example focusing on racial microaggressions to demonstrate how to complete each exercise.
• Helpful suggestions on the writing process, selecting a dissertation committee, and gaining approval from the Institutional Review Board provide additional guidance for beginning researchers.

“This text is one of the most superior texts that I have come across in Mixed Methods Research. This is a gem of a book and a must have for any serious-minded researcher.” Kakali Bhattacharya Kansas State University

“This book provides the clarity of a proven design approach, so common mistakes or more often oversights don’t happen.” Catharine Dishke Hondzel The University of Western Ontario

“The book can serve as a reference for my students’ dissertation writing. Also, from teaching point of view, the book also provides good activities for the instructors to use in their instructions.” Lu Liu University of La Verne

We have all waited a long time for a good book on developing a mixed methods proposal. DeCuir-Gunby and Schutz have delivered this book to us. They write in clear, straight-forward language, they include the latest advances in mixed methods, they incorporate activities, further readings, and sample sessions illustrating the use of each chapter's content. I especially liked the ‘real-world’ sample proposal at the end on racial microaggressions. I will encourage workshop participants and students to study this chapter closely. This is a must-read book in the field of mixed methods . John W. Creswell University of Michigan

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Writing a proposal for your dissertation : guidelines and examples

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• 1. Developing the Problem Statement for Your Dissertation Proposal :
• Introduction
• The Doctoral Experience
• The Problem Is the Problem
• Finding a Good Research Problem
• Characteristics of a Good Problem
• Writing the Problem Statement
• The Problem Statement as Part of a Dissertation Proposal
• Summary of Chapter One
• Do You Understand These Key Words and Phrases?
• Let's Start Writing Our Own Proposal
• 2. Writing Purpose Statements, Research Questions, and Hypotheses :
• The Quantitative Purpose Statement
• Purpose Statements for Qualitative Studies
• Defining and Describing a Research Question
• The Methodological Point of Departure
• Research Questions Will Ultimately Lead to the Study's Research Method
• Getting Back to Stating Our Research Question
• A Word of Caution!
• Putting It Together: Problem Statements, Purpose Statements, and Research Questions
• Problem Statements, Purpose Statements, and Research Questions in the Literature
• Stating Hypotheses for Your Research Study
• An Example of Stating Our Hypotheses
• Understanding the Four Basic Rules for Hypotheses
• The Direction of Hypotheses
• Hypotheses Must Be Testable via the Collection and Analysis of Data
• Research versus Null Hypotheses
• All Hypotheses Must Include the Word "Significant"
• Other Parts of Chapter 1 of the Dissertation
• Summary of Chapter Two
• Review Questions
• Progress Check for Chapter 1 of the Dissertation Proposal: The Introduction
• Let's Continue Writing Our Own Dissertation Proposal
• 3. Writing the Review of Literature for Your Study :
• What Is a Review of Literature and What Is Its Purpose?
• There Isn't a Magic Formula for Writing a Review of Literature
• Phase 1. Getting Ready to Write a Review of Literature
• Phase 2. Writing the Review of Literature
• Summary of Chapter Three
• Progress Check for Chapter 3 of the Dissertation Proposal: The Review of Literature
• 4. The First Part of Your Dissertation Research Method :
• Philosophy 101
• The Research Paradigm
• Nonrandom (Nonprobabalistic) Sampling
• Identifying the Population and a Sample for Your Study
• Summary of the Sampling Process
• Data Collection Instruments
• Instruments for Quantitative Research
• Instruments for Qualitative Research
• Reliability and Validity
• Plans for Data Analysis
• Ethical Considerations
• Plans for Presenting the Results
• Summary of Your Proposal
• Summary of Chapter Four: The First Part of Your Dissertation Research Method
• 5. Quantitative Research Methods :
• Different Types of Data
• Quantitative Research Designs
• Survey Research
• Correlational Research
• Causal-Comparative Research
• Hypothesis Testing
• Experimental Research
• The Validity of Your Study
• Threats to the Internal Validity of Your Study
• Threats to the External Validity of Your Study
• Experimental Research Designs
• Preexperimental Designs
• Quasi-Experimental Designs
• Experimental Designs
• Putting This All Together for the Quantitative Dissertation Proposal
• Chapter 3 of a Quantitative Dissertation Proposal
• Our First Example of Chapter 3 of a Proposal
• Summary of Chapter Five
• Progress Check for Chapter 3 of a Quantitative Dissertation Proposal
• Appendix 5.1. Example of a Descriptive Research Study
• Appendix 5.2. Example of a Correlational Research Study
• Appendix 5.3. Example of a Quasi-Experimental Research Study
• Appendix 5.4. Example of an Experimental Research Study
• Appendix 5.5. Threats to the Validity of an Experimental Study
• 6. Qualitative Research Methods :
• An Overview of Qualitative Methodologies
• The Role of the Researcher
• The Format of a Qualitative Dissertation Proposal
• Chapter 1 of a Qualitative Dissertation Proposal: The Introduction
• Chapter 3 of a Qualitative Dissertation Proposal: Research Methods
• Choosing the Right Qualitative Research Method
• Participants and Sampling
• Instruments
• Research Procedures
• The Validity and Reliability of a Qualitative Study
• Summary of Chapter Six
• Progress Check for Chapter 3 of a Qualitative Dissertation Proposal
• Appendix 6.1. Narrative Study Procedures: The Case of the Unfortunate Departure
• Appendix 6.2. Phenomenological Study Procedures: The Case of Sending Your Child to Safety
• Appendix 6.3. Ethnographic Study Procedures: The Case of Climbing the Mountain
• Appendix 6.4. Case Study Procedures: The Case of the Standardized Test
• Appendix 6.5. Grounded Theory Procedures: The Case of Homelessness
• Appendix 6.6. Content Analysis Procedures: The Case of the Eye Witness
• 7. Mixed Methods Research Designs :
• An Overview of Mixed Methods Research
• The Format of a Mixed Methods Proposal
• Chapter 1 of a Mixed Methods Study: The Introduction
• Background, Statement of the Problem, and Significance of the Study
• The Central Purpose of the Study
• Research Questions
• Hypotheses for Mixed Methods Studies
• Chapter 2 of a Mixed Methods Dissertation Proposal: The Review of Literature
• Chapter 3 of a Mixed Methods Dissertation Proposal: Research Methods
• The Mixed Methods Paradigm
• Research Design
• The Three Major Mixed Methods Designs
• Summary of Chapter Seven
• Progress Check for Chapter 3 of a Mixed Methods Dissertation Proposal: The Research Methods
• Appendix 7.1. Sequential Explanatory Design: The Case of the Tutors
• Appendix 7.2. Sequential Exploratory Design: The Case of the Academies
• Appendix 7.3. Convergent Design: The Case of Calling It In
• Epilogue: Have We Accomplished What We Set Out to Do?
• Appendix A. Progress Check for Chapter 1 of a Dissertation Proposal: The Introduction
• Appendix B. Progress Check for Chapter 2 of a Dissertation Proposal: The Review of Literature
• Appendix C. Progress Check for Chapter 3 of a Quantitative Dissertation Proposal
• Appendix D. Progress Check for Chapter 3 of a Qualitative Dissertation Proposal
• Appendix E. Progress Check for Chapter 3 of a Mixed Methods Dissertation Proposal.

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11. A Sample Research Proposal for a Mixed-Methods Investigation of Resilience: The Pathways to Resilience Project

From the book researching resilience.

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