Framework
The four mixed methods research designs
The four standard ways to combine qualitative and quantitative research in one study. Convergent designs run both at once and compare them. Explanatory sequential designs use interviews to explain a number, exploratory sequential designs use them to find what to measure, and embedded designs nest one method inside the other. Koji pairs rating questions with open-ended follow-ups in a single study.
Where this appears
What's in this framework
- Convergent: Run qualitative and quantitative at the same time, then compare. Use it to check one finding from two angles.
- Explanatory sequential: Numbers first, then interviews to explain them. Use it when a metric surprised you.
- Exploratory sequential: Interviews first to find the themes, then a survey to measure how common they are.
- Embedded: One method sits inside the other, like open-ended probes attached to each rating in a survey.
Use this image
Free to use in your docs, decks and posts under CC BY 4.0, as long as you credit Koji with a link to this page. To embed it, paste this into your page:
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<a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/four-mixed-methods-research-designs"><img src="https://www.koji.so/visuals/four-mixed-methods-research-designs/four-mixed-methods-research-designs.png" alt="Framework showing the four mixed methods research designs: convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential and embedded, with when to use each." width="1200" height="724" /></a>
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.koji.so/visuals/four-mixed-methods-research-designs">The four mixed methods research designs</a>, Koji</p>
