Integration in Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

The integration of qualitative and quantitative assumptions, methods, and results is fundamental to mixed methods research, but has often been seen as simply common sense, and not a matter requiring systematic theoretical analysis. This chapter presents a different approach to integration from that typically found in the mixed methods literature, one based on the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods. These differences are complementary; the strengths of each approach address the limitations of the other. Most importantly, quantitative methods are strongest for showing that a particular variable or intervention affects a given outcome or different variable; qualitative methods are strongest for showing how this happens—what the processes (including mental and cultural processes) are that led to this outcome, and how these were influenced by the specific context of the study. These complementary strengths are a key benefit of integrating the two approaches.