Joint Displays of Integrated Data Collection in Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

Mixed methods researchers need tools for planning and demonstrating integration. Mixed methods joint displays have a growing presence in the literature for representing mixed methods findings, and for use as an analytic tool as in the case of joint display analysis. However, the joint display of integrated data collection represents a lesser-known application for use by mixed methods researchers. A joint display for integrated data collection links the qualitative and the quantitative data collection questions, scales, and/or items. Here we demonstrate how joint displays of integrated data collection can be used as a planning, implementation, and presentation tool to illustrate integration of the data collection process. We examine variations in joint displays of integrated data collection based on three core mixed methods designs, a convergent design, and two sequential mixed methods designs, and provide examples of each from the literature. We recommend the joint display of integrated mixed data collection as a highly effective tool for mixed methods researchers to use for planning, implementing, and representing integrated data collection in their mixed methods projects.