After considering the four factors of mixed methods research and deciding that mixed methods is the best form of inquiry to use in a social science research project, the next step is to choose the best design to use for the project. Two common approaches are the Sequential Exploratory Design and the Concurrent Triangulation Strategy.
Mixed Methods Design Overview
Creswell (2009) identifies several mixed method research approaches based upon the choices made about the timing, weighting, mixing, and theorizing factors. Two mixed methods research approaches identified by Creswell (2009) are the sequential exploratory strategy and the concurrent triangulation strategy.
Exploratory designs collect qualitative data about a phenomenon first, and because there is little empirical evidence available, collect quantitative data to test it (Clark et al., 2008). In contrast, triangulation designs synthesize quantitative and qualitative data through a comparison of the results, usually collecting data at the same time.
Mixed Methods Sequential Exploratory Design
In a sequential exploratory design, the focus is on the qualitative portion of the research. Similar to a purely qualitative design, the researcher begins with a broad concept and seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the problem by looking at common themes in the analysis. These studies usually take longer because data collection is done in phases, with the qualitative phase being complete prior to starting the quantitative phase.
Quantitative data is eventually linked with the qualitative data in the data analysis stage of the research study. In the analysis, quantitative data is used to enhance what was found in the qualitative data (Hanson et al., 2005). This enhancement can happen through the testing of an emerging theory or developing a new test or instrument.
Mixed Methods Concurrent Triangulation Strategy
The concurrent triangulation strategy gives equal weighting to both qualitative and quantitative research. Both types of data are collected at the same time, hence the term “concurrent”. The concurrent collection of data makes the data collection process faster than the sequential approach.
Concurrent triangulation is the most common approach used by mixed methods researchers.
Once the data is collected, both data sets are compared in a process called “corroboration” (Creswell, 2009). In addition, the researcher will interpret the data and determine how the qualitative and quantitative data are integrated (Hanson et al., 2005). The goal is for each dataset is to offset the weakness of the other. Consequently, the qualitative and quantitative data will complement rather than support each other.
When choosing mixed methods as a form of inquiry in the social sciences, it is important for the researcher to choose a design that will holistically represent the quantitative and qualitative data. This can be either an exploratory deign or a triangulation design. The selection of a design will ensure that the data collection and interpretation reflect the integrity of the results.
Sources
- Clark, V. L. P., Huddleston-Casas, C., Churchill, S. L., Green, D. O., & Garrett, A. L. (2008). Mixed methods approaches in family science research. Journal of Family Issues, 29(11), 1543-1566.
- Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd Edition ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
- Hanson, W. E., Creswell, J. W., Clark, V. L. P., Petska, K. S., & Creswell, J. D. (2005). Mixed methods research designs in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(2), 224-235.
Michele Whitney - Over 10 years of diverse professional experience, PhD candidate in Public Service with an undergraduate degree in Marketing and an MBA.
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