Definition

Mixed methods

Research that combines quantitative and qualitative strands in one study, with an explicit design for how they connect.

The value is complementarity: numbers establish how much and for whom; narratives explain how and why. Standard designs name the connection — convergent (both at once, merged), explanatory sequential (numbers first, interviews explain them), exploratory sequential (qualitative first, instrument built from it).

The failure mode is two disconnected studies stapled together. A real mixed-methods write-up states the design, shows the integration point (a joint display works well), and reports each strand to its own tradition’s standards.