This chapter discusses writing up results from mixed methods research for a doctoral dissertation. It notes some similarities and differences between mixed methods analyses and single method analyses, including maintaining organization and logic across different data types. The chapter recommends using tables, figures, concept mapping and stakeholder feedback to clearly present mixed results. It also provides examples of award-winning mixed methods dissertations and standards for assessing mixed methods research quality. The chapter concludes by suggesting additional resources for digging deeper into mixed methods analyses and writing.

1. Writing Your Doctoral Dissertation
or Thesis Faster
A Proven Map to Success
by E. Alana James and Tracesea Slater
Chapter 13:
Are You Ready to Write Up Your Mixed
Methods Data?

3. Mixed Methodological Analyses Compared to
Single Method Analysis
• Similarities
• Focus on original purpose
• Potential to confuse the reader with your writeup
• Difficulty of keeping solid organization to
support large amounts of data
• Differences
• Inherent flow of logic differs
Figure 13.1 If you’ve collected data
using different types of
methodology, you should take some
time to reflect on your original
purpose before moving into analysis.
Source: Creatas Images/Creatas/Thinkstock

4. Building a Mixed Methods Argument
• Highlights the differences in
unique qualities of these two
types of data and yet merge
them to build a solid construct
• Use tables, figures and graphic
organizers
• Concept mapping
• Stakeholders
Figure 13.4 Sharing your ideas with stakeholders and responding
to their questions can help your work progress and improve.
Source: Digital Vision/Digital Vision/Thinkstock

5. Award Winning Mixed
Methods Dissertations
• Increased complexity
• Larger numbers in population and sample
group
• Multiple chapters written to sort through and
discuss data analysis
• Complex ideas made clear to the reader
(concept mapping)

6. Assessment Standards for
Mixed Methods Research
• Clear and objective discussion
• Majority and minority opinions and how they developed
• Replicability
• Detailed explanation of instrumentation, sample selection, outcomes
• Review all information included in chapters for qualitative and quantitative
data

7. Where Should I Go to Dig Deeper?
Suggested Resources to Consider
• Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (2nd ed.). Los Angeles: Sage. This is an excellent
discussion of mixed methods designs. Included as well is a wonderful, down to earth chapter on analyzing and interpreting data.
• Ravitch, S. M., & Riggan, M. (2012). Reason & rigor: How conceptual frameworks guide research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. This book has
brilliantly illustrated and discussed examples of concept maps, including several that focus on the use of one-method supporting,
confirming or denying the evidence of the other.
• Roberts, C. M. (2004). The dissertation journey. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Chapter 14 and 15 give a brief but useful description of the
path from data gathering, through analysis, and on to the final discussion or conclusions. Many pullout boxes offer helpful hints and
additional resources.
• Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). Sage handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research (2nd ed.). Los Angeles: Sage. This is an
excellent text on the subject, one that should be available through most university libraries.
• Thomas, R. M. (2003). Blending qualitative and quantitative research methods in theses and dissertations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Thomas
offers many examples that will be helpful to students sorting out where and when to employ different writing patterns.
• Yin, R. K. (2011). Qualitative research from start to finish. New York: The Gilford Press. This book contains excellent chapters pertaining to
fieldwork and internal validity.