Mixed Methods Strategies
CSS 506
Fall 2008
October 13, 2008
Sequential Explanatory Strategy (separate stages)
-Collect & analyze QUAN
-Collect & analyze quan
-Integrated during interpretation phase
-May or may not have theoretical perspective
-Purpose: use qual to assist in explaining and interpreting the QUAN
-Useful with unexpected QUAN results – qual examines in detail
-Strength: separate stages in design, description, reporting
-Weakness: length of time b/c of 2 separate stages (esp if equal emphasis)
Sequential Exploratory Strategy (2 stages)
-Priority in 1st stage
-Collect & analyze QUAL
-Collect & analyze quan
-Integrated during interpretation phase
-May or may not have theoretical perspective
-Quan assists interpretation of QUAL
-Purpose: explore a phenomenon (determine the distribution of a
phenomenon within a chosen population); grounded theory (testing
elements of an emergent theory so that it can be generalized); developing
and testing new instrument (psychometrics)
-Strength: separate stages in design, description, reporting
-Weakness: length of time b/c of 2 separate stages; can be difficult to bild
from the QUAL analysis to quan data collection
Sequential Transformative Strategy (2 stages)
-Either method used first, either priority or equal emphasis
-Results integrated during interpretation phase
-Theoretical perspective drives research not just methods
-Purpose: employ the methods that will best serve the theoretical
perspective (give voice to diverse perspectives, advocate for participants,
better understand phenomenon or process that is changing as a result of
being studied)
-Strength: separate stages in design, description, reporting
-Weakness: length of time b/c of 2 separate stages (esp if equal emphasis)
1
