Types of mixed methods research designs

Data collection and analysis in mixed methods research depends on the research design you adopt. Ultimately, it might be easy to think about the different research designs in terms of the timing of the discrete inquiries within a mixed methods inquiry.

Concurrent triangulation design

A study that collects quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously is a common form of mixed methods design to achieve triangulation. The goal of a concurrent triangulation design is to observe the object of inquiry from multiple methods. For example, imagine an educational researcher who wants to examine the efficacy of an after-school reading program. The researcher can then pursue two concurrent studies, one that qualitatively observes the reading program in action between educators and students and another that quantitatively tests students' reading comprehension. Over time, the researcher can draw correlations between improvements in test scores and any observations of the students in the program.

Exploratory sequential design

Another way to look at mixed methods research is with the idea that data collection and analysis are cyclical and evolve as new knowledge is generated. Researchers might undertake an exploratory sequential design if they don't yet know the aspects of a concept or phenomenon they want to test. In short, they need to conduct a qualitative study first in order to generate a conceptual framework to apply in a subsequent quantitative study. Exploratory sequential design is useful in market research, for example, to identify the potential needs and preferences of prospective customers. Focus group research with a group of target customers can inquire about what they are looking for when choosing from a line of products. The researcher can take the initial qualitative findings to inform the design of a subsequent survey study that can confirm the extent to which the preferences of the focus group are reflected in the larger market. Researchers can also conduct a quantitative study to preface observations in a qualitative study. Imagine that an educational researcher is adopting mixed methods approaches when examining learning outcomes among schools within a given geographical area. They might start by examining test scores published by these schools, using the initial quantitative results to determine where students are struggling and might need intervention. The resulting qualitative study might conduct observations in struggling schools to determine potential shortcomings in teaching and learning.

Concurrent nested design

This research design involves conducting multiple inquiries at the same time for the purpose of using one inquiry to strengthen the other. In a mixed methods approach, concurrent nested design places one research paradigm within another (e.g., a quantitative study within a qualitative study).

Sequential transformative design

This is a mixed methods research design with a critical or social justice orientation, meaning that the research is ultimately conducted to challenge the understanding of existing theory or produce meaningful social change, respectively. In either case, a sequential mixed methods research design can have a transformative effect by employing one study to create the rationale for a second critical or social justice research inquiry.