Practical strategies to identify and address discordant findings in mixed methods research

Abstract

Integration of qualitative and quantitative data in mixed methods research generates confirmed, discordant, and expanded findings. Guidance is available about the methods and strategies for the meaningful integration of data. However, little has been written about strategies for managing discordant findings in mixed methods. This paper describes and illustrates practical strategies for managing and integrating discordant findings in mixed methods analyses based on researchers reflections and experiences of managing and integrating discordant findings in convergent and sequential exploratory mixed methods studies. Two strategies, namely, comprehensive case and variable analysis and sociocultural exploration are proposed. Comprehensive case analysis involves identifying discordant findings in quantitative data, identifying supportive data in qualitative data, and selecting variables for mixed analysis and interpretation. Sociocultural exploration comprises qualitative code and quantitative data matrix for themes, identification of discordant findings under each theme, and development of sociocultural profile. Identifying and addressing discordant findings in mixed methods is an essential step of rigorous mixed methods analysis. The comprehensive case and variable analysis and sociocultural exploration strategies emphasize the need to examine discordance in data at an early stage of analysis. Further use and evaluation of these strategies are warranted to expand the body of knowledge about practical methods of mixed methods data analysis.