Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of complex research questions. There are two main designs: concurrent, where data is collected simultaneously, and sequential, where data is collected in phases. While these methods offer benefits like triangulation and flexibility, they also present challenges such as complexity and resource intensity.

1. Mixed Method Research
Design
Joanna M. Noveno

2. Mixed Method Explained
 Mixed methods research—also known as multi-method,
combined methods, mixed research, or triangulation
(Mackey & Gass, 2015)—is a strategy of inquiry that allows
the researcher to explore a research question from
multiple angles potentially avoiding the limitations
inherent in using one approach, quantitative or
qualitative, independently.

3. Mixed Method Explained
 Mixed-methods research (MMR) is a new research
approach in which both quantitative and qualitative
data and analyses are used in a single study to address
more complex research issues.
 In applied linguistics research, the most common way
mixed methods are described is “triangulation” of multiple
sources or methods (Mackey & Gass, 2015).

4. Types of Mixed Methods Studies
Concurrent and Sequential Designs

5. Types of Mixed Methods Studies
Concurrent Design
 the researcher collects both
quantitative and qualitative
data at the same time and
uses the data collectively
as a means to interpret the
findings of the investigation
(Creswell, 2003).
Sequential Design
 involve the collection of
data in multiple phases or
in a set sequence.

6. Symbol System by Johnson and
Christensen (2014)
 A plus sign (+) represents a concurrent collection of data.
 An arrow ( →) represents a sequential collection of data.
 ‘QUAL’ or ‘qual’ stand for qualitative research.
 ‘QUAN’ or ‘quan’ stand for quantitative research.
 Capital letters denote priority or increased weight.
 Lowercase letters denote lower priority or weight.

7. For example:
QUAL → quan

8. Types of Mixed Methods Studies
Concurrent Designs
 Triangulation
 Concurrent Embedded
Sequential Designs
 Explanatory
 Exploratory
 Sequential Embedded

9. Concurrent Designs
Triangulation and Concurrent Embedded

10. Triangulation Designs
 All the data are collected in one phase and receive
equal weight during analysis, allowing the researcher to
“compare and contrast quantitative statistical results with
qualitative findings or validate or explain quantitative
results with qualitative data” (Creswell & Plano Clark,
2011, p. 62).

11. Triangulation Design

12. Lee, E. (2016). Reducing international graduate
students’ language anxiety through oral
pronunciation corrections. System, 56(1), 78–95.
Research Background
This mixed methodology study investigates the link between the
type of oral corrective feedback used and language anxiety
level.
Research Method
Both quantitative data obtained from a pre- and post-survey and
classroom observations as well as qualitative data from follow-up
interviews and open-ended survey questions were collected.

13. Concurrent Embedded Designs
 one type of data are embedded, generally meaning that
it plays a secondary role to the other data, rather than
both being weighed equally. In most research of this type,
the focus of the design is quantitative with qualitative
data collection added to support or better interpret the
quantitative findings (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011).

14. Concurrent Embedded Design

15. Sequential Designs
Explanatory, Exploratory, and Sequential Embedded

16. Explanatory Design
 Focus on quantitative data but use qualitative follow-up
data to explain quantitative results.
 Researchers might use an explanatory design to better
understand quantitative results, especially if those results
were not expected.

17. Explanatory Design

18. Example:
 If the outcomes of a task-based intervention showed no
changes in the fluency or complexity of learners’ speech
in the target language, a stimulated recall interview
conducted after the intervention might elucidate some of
the reasons for why no changes occurred.

19. Exploratory Design
 Qualitative data are collected first in order to guide
subsequent collection of quantitative data.
 Researchers might use an exploratory design to
investigate an under-explored phenomenon and define
and describe variables before embarking on a
quantitative design.

20. Exploratory Design

21. Mroz, A. (2015). The development of second language
critical thinking in a virtual language learning environment:
A process-oriented mixed-method study. CALICO Journal,
32(3), 528–553.
Research Background
The researcher in this study utilized a mixed methods design to investigate
the emergence of L2 strategies in collaborative discourse produced by
university French learners interacting in a computer-mediated setting.
Research Method
Qualitative data included bi-weekly observations of French classes, a
focus group with five case-study students, and retrospective perception
data. Quantitative data were elicited from computer-generated logs of
students’ interactions in an online Second Life community.

22. Sequential Embedded Design
 Quantitative and qualitative data are collected in multiple
phases to both inform and provide insights into potential
explanations for one another.
 Qualitative data collected before an intervention can aid
in participant selection, instrument verification, or to shape
the subsequent intervention. Qualitative data collected
after an intervention can help to illuminate patterns in
quantitative intervention data.

23. Sequential Embedded Design

24. Préfontaine, Y., & Kormos, J. (2015). The relationship
between task difficulty and second language
fluency in French: A mixed methods approach.
Modern Language Journal, 99(1), 96–112.
Research Background
The authors of this study utilized a mixed methods approach to shed light
on the relationship between task difficulty and fluency.
Research Method
Learners participated in three task conditions that varied in demands
posed on their creativity, content knowledge, and linguistic resources. Task
difficulty was measured both quantitatively with questionnaire data as well
as qualitatively with retrospective interview data. Fluency was measured
quantitatively using a variety of fluency measures analyzed in Praat.

25. Pros and Cons to Mixed Methods
Designs

26. Pros:
1. Comprehensive Understanding: Mixed-method
approaches allow researchers to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of linguistic phenomena
by combining the strengths of both quantitative and
qualitative methods. This can lead to richer insights that
might not be achievable through either method alone.

27. Pros:
2. Triangulation: By using multiple methods, researchers can
cross-validate findings, enhancing the reliability and validity
of their results. Triangulation helps mitigate the limitations of
individual methods and provides a more robust basis for
drawing conclusions.

28. Pros:
3. Flexibility: Mixed-method designs offer flexibility in
research design, allowing researchers to tailor their
approach to the specific research question and context.
This flexibility enables them to address complex linguistic
phenomena from multiple angles, adapting as needed
throughout the research process.

29. Cons:
1. Complexity: Mixed-method designs can be more
complex to implement and analyze compared to single-
method approaches. Integrating different methods
requires careful planning, and analyzing data from
multiple sources can be challenging, particularly when
trying to reconcile divergent findings.

30. Cons:
2. Resource Intensive: Conducting mixed-method research
may require more time, resources, and expertise compared
to using a single method. Researchers may need to invest in
training for both qualitative and quantitative methods, as
well as specialized software for data analysis.

31. Cons:
3. Integration Challenges: Integrating qualitative and
quantitative data can be difficult, particularly if the data
are collected and analyzed separately. Ensuring coherence
and consistency across methods requires careful attention
to research design, data collection instruments, and
analytical techniques.