Instructions for Conducting Research With a Combined Approach
In the world of research, understanding complex issues like health disparities and educational inequities requires a comprehensive approach. This is where Mixed-Methods Research comes into play, a powerful tool that combines both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic understanding of research problems.
First documented in 2025, the Transformative Mixed-Methods research designs have proven to be particularly effective. These designs can be operationalized to directly reflect the lived experiences of participants, ensuring that the quantitative phase is tailored to the specific context of the study.
The research process typically begins with a qualitative phase, which uncovers themes, insights, or constructs that can inform the subsequent quantitative phase. This approach, known as Exploratory Sequential Design, is ideal for tackling complex issues. In this design, qualitative data is collected first, followed by quantitative data that contributes to explaining and building upon the qualitative results.
Researchers have two main approaches to choose from when designing a mixed-methods study. The Typology-Based Approach involves selecting from a predefined set of mixed-methods designs, while the Dynamic Approach focuses on integrating various components of the study.
The four key decisions that determine the design concern the levels of interaction, relative priority, timeline, and procedures. For instance, in an Exploratory Sequential Design, qualitative data is collected and analysed first, followed by a quantitative phase. On the other hand, in a Convergent Parallel Design, qualitative and quantitative data are collected simultaneously, analysed separately, and then combined at the end.
Mixed-Methods Research serves as a guide for the research process and helps establish the logic for final interpretations. After analysing qualitative data, these insights serve as the basis for developing quantitative instruments such as surveys or experiments. These instruments can reveal nuanced constructs or dimensions of a phenomenon that existing instruments cannot capture.
Embedded designs are frequently used to develop instruments, refine interventions, or understand contextual factors. In an Explanatory Sequential Design, quantitative data is collected and analysed first, followed by a qualitative phase that contributes to explaining and building upon the quantitative results.
In summary, Mixed-Methods Research provides a powerful approach to understanding complex issues by combining the depth of qualitative data with the generalizability of quantitative results. By following the four general principles outlined by Creswell, researchers can ensure their studies are predetermined or changed, tailored to the research problem, and provide a reason for using different methods. Whether it's Exploratory Sequential Design, Convergent Parallel Design, or any other approach, the goal remains the same: to gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the issues we face.
