Interaction of quantitative and qualitative methodology in mixed methods research: integration and/or combination

Abstract

The interaction of quantitative and qualitative methodology in the mixed methods research (MMR) is analysed in a context of distinctions of the meanings between the terms typically used for description, combination, and integration. The interaction in the phases that precede the results, and their interpretation is considered. As an indicator of the quality of interaction, the identification of the two groups of procedures in the practice is used: procedures taken from quantitative and qualitative methodology and MMR-specific procedures. In total, 65 mixed methods articles (21 journals, 12 years) have been analysed. Results suggested that interactions that induce integration of quantitative and qualitative methodologies are more prevalent at the level of determination of the purpose and MMR model, than as a part of the research questions, and especially as a part of the research method. The findings are discussed in the context of the description and the possibility of improving the quality of interaction of the mentioned methodologies in MMR.