In the evolving landscape of research, some questions require more than a single approach. Often, when trying to understand what is happening and why, mixed-methods research can offer the best of both worlds.

Mixed-methods research combines both quantitative (numbers, patterns, statistics) and qualitative (words, meanings, experiences) approaches in a single study or research programme. This integration can happen at different stages: data collection, analysis, interpretation, or all three. The aim is to draw on the strengths of both methods, allowing researchers to build a richer, more complete picture of a phenomenon.

Why Use Mixed-Methods?

Some research questions just can't be fully answered with numbers alone. Let’s think of an example, such as evaluating a new digital health tool. You might use quantitative data to measure how many people completed the intervention, how long they used it, and whether outcomes improved. But numbers alone won't tell you how participants felt about using the tool, what they found frustrating, or what they'd change. That's where qualitative data comes in, like interviews or open-text survey responses. Together, these methods let you measure impact and understand experience. One shows you what's happening, and the other helps explain why.

Common Mixed-Methods Designs

Depending on your research goals, there are a few different well-established ways to structure a mixed-methods study. Choosing the right design depends on your research question, timing, and the level of integration you need.

-            Convergent Design: Collect qualitative and quantitative data at the same time, then compare and merge the results.

-            Explanatory Sequential Design: Start with quantitative data to identify patterns, then follow up with qualitative data to explore them in depth.

-            Exploratory Sequential Design: Begin with qualitative research to identify key themes, then use those insights to develop a quantitative tool or follow-up study.

A Tool for Real-World Research

Mixed-methods are increasingly valued for their practical power in healthcare, education, and social research. They help ensure that interventions are not just effective on paper, but also meaningful and acceptable to the people they're designed to serve. Ultimately, mixed-methods research recognises that human experiences are rarely one-dimensional. By combining numbers and narratives, you're better equipped to tell the full story - one that is valid, useful, and grounded in reality.

Lois Ann Parri

Originally written on March 2024 – London, England UK