Mixed-Methods Research Analysis: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Findings
Mixed-methods research is only as strong as its integration. We analyse the quantitative and qualitative strands properly and then bring them together so the whole is more convincing than the parts.
What this service covers
- Support with convergent, explanatory sequential and exploratory sequential designs
- Quantitative analysis of the survey strand
- Qualitative analysis of the interview or focus group strand
- Joint displays that put numbers and quotations side by side
- Integration points: connecting, building and merging data
- Meta-inferences that state what the two strands together show
- Methods write-up that names the design and justifies integration
Choosing and justifying the design
In a convergent design both strands are collected together and compared. In an explanatory sequential design, a survey is followed by interviews to explain the results. In an exploratory sequential design, interviews come first and shape a questionnaire. We help you describe your design correctly and explain the order and weight of each strand.
Doing each strand well
Integration cannot rescue weak analysis. We analyse the numbers using survey data analysis and the statistics services, and the text using thematic analysis, often in MAXQDA, which supports mixed work well. See MAXQDA analysis.
Integration through joint displays
A joint display is a table or figure that places quantitative results next to qualitative themes and quotations, and shows where they agree, extend each other or conflict. Conflicts are useful findings, not failures. We write meta-inferences that explain what the combined evidence says and what remains unclear.
Where it is used
Typical uses are dissertations, evaluations and health and education studies. For evaluation-specific work, see programme evaluation data analysis.
How the work runs
- You describe your design, questions and the data you hold.
- We analyse each strand and agree integration points.
- We build joint displays and meta-inferences.
- You receive the integrated findings and methods text.
What you receive
- Separate quantitative and qualitative results
- Joint display tables or figures
- Meta-inferences and a discussion of convergence and divergence
- A methods section describing the mixed-methods design
- Quotations matched to statistical findings
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between multi-method and mixed-methods?
Mixed-methods integrates the strands to answer a question; multi-method simply uses more than one method, possibly without integrating.
Which design should I choose?
It depends on the question and sequence of data collection. We help match the design to your aims.
What is a joint display?
A table or figure that arranges quantitative and qualitative results together to show how they relate.
What if the strands disagree?
That is informative. We explore why they diverge and report it openly.
Which software works best?
MAXQDA is popular for mixed work, but analysis can be done in any combination of tools.
Can you help me justify mixed-methods in my thesis?
Yes, we provide methods text describing the design and rationale for you to adapt.
Related survey & mixed-methods analysis services
Programme Evaluation Data Analysis
Baseline and endline comparison, indicators and evidence for stakeholders.
Survey Data Analysis & Reporting
Cleaning, tables, group comparisons and report-ready results for survey data.
Questionnaire Design & Sampling
Clear questions, valid scales and sound sampling before you collect data.
Survey & Mixed-Methods Analysis Services
See every survey and mixed-methods service we offer.
Also related: Descriptive and inferential statistics