Publishing Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

Max Bergman and I have completed our first year serving as editors for the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (JMMR). During that time, we have reviewed a considerable number of manuscripts and other publications in the field of mixed methods research. Each manuscript submitted to JMMR is reviewed by three anonymous reviewers, sometimes an associate editor, and both editors. This sequence of reviewing provides us with a rich base for recognizing what is desirable and what is undesirable in manuscripts submitted to JMMR. We use this editorial as an opportunity to provide insights that add to those provided by Creswell and Tashakkori (2007) after their first year as editors. We draw from several other sources as well, including several chapters in the Sage Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioral Research (2nd ed.; Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010) and selected articles that appeared in JMMR across its 5 years of publication. JMMR continues to publish two kinds of articles: empirical and theoretical/methodological. Empirical articles (10,000-word limit) report the methods used in mixed methods studies with a focus on how the use of mixed methods advances our thinking about this approach. Theoretical and methodological articles each have an 8,000-word limit. Theoretical/methodological articles explore theoretical concepts, philosophical assumptions, and other relevant concepts such as ethics and quality in mixed methods research. Methodological articles explain particular methodological approaches that contribute to the understanding of mixed methods research. The major reason that manuscripts are rejected by the editors is that they do not address the contribution that is made to advancing understandings of mixed methods research. Sometimes manuscripts include only quantitative or only qualitative approaches; sometimes they include both quantitative and qualitative approaches, but there is no integration of the methods, analysis, or reporting of findings. Sometimes, authors do not make reference to other literature in the field of mixed methods research, despite the ever-increasing number of resources that are emerging. Reference to these resources is necessary to support the argument that the submitted study contributes to advancing the field of mixed methods research. Making sure that a manuscript includes both quantitative and qualitative components and that there is an integration of these components is necessary, but not sufficient, to successfully publish a mixed methods article in JMMR. Additional criteria need attention to ensure that the quality of submitted manuscripts is worthy of publication. In terms of empirical mixed methods studies, Onwuegbuzie and Collins (2010) remind researchers that a quality manuscript is enhanced by planning and conducting a high-quality study. Thus, they recognize that the development of a quality mixed methods manuscript begins with Editorial