Designing Qualitatively-Oriented Mixed Methods Research [FULL]

WCQR2026 Training Day

Please note: Attendance at the Training Day is not included in the WCQR2026 conference registration and requires separate enrollment. Please visit WCQR2026 Training Day - WCQR

How can mixed methods designs be leveraged to prioritize qualitative perspectives in their integration with quantitative research approaches? This short course sheds light on the nine key integration decisions researchers make in qualitatively-oriented mixed methods designs and how to incorporate evidence of qualitatively prioritized integration in your work.

Content

The short course will include a number of examples to illustrate content and strategies discussed, hands-on exercises to give participants an opportunity to apply their understandings to their own ideas, and to benefit from others’ sharing and asking questions.

The session will utilise QOMMR readings and resources from Sharlene Hesse-Biber, Peggy Shannon-Baker, others as well as myself

This short course will be of interest to those already doing or planning to design qualitatively-oriented mixed methods research. It can also be taken by curious qualitative researcher to explore the potential of mixed methods while retaining many aspects of their qualitatively-oriented research practice.

Structure

1. Introduction to Qualitatively-oriented Mixed Methods Research: The course will begin with an overview and orientation to integration as a key feature of mixed methods research and the unique niche of qualitatively-oriented mixed methods research (QOMMR). Participants will learn about the key defining characteristics of QOMMR.
2. Key Design Decisions in Qualitatively-oriented Mixed Methods Research: Participants will explore the key design decisions that contribute to a cohesive QOMMR design, including role of theory, sampling strategies, and data procedures. Discussions will include a focus on prioritizing qualitative integration.
3. Navigating Design Procedures in Qualitatively-oriented Mixed Methods Research: A key focus will be on how researchers and their research settings influence how QOMMR designs unfold. Participants will engage in creating design diagrams to help them think through their ideas. To extent possible, we will embed opportunities for sharing work and receiving feedback from peers will be a part of the short course.
4. Integrations and Representations of Study Outcomes: Participants will explore some data and analytic options for QOMMR integration and how joint displays can support the generation and representation of study outcomes.
5. Quality and Reporting: Finally, opportunities for discussions of what guides good reporting of QOMMR will complement discussions of quality criteria of mixed methods research.

Goals

Qualitatively-orientated mixed methods research requires specialized integration skills to realize the prioritized integration of qualitative and quantitative research. This course will engage participants in discussions of perceived (and real) integration challenges when designing, conducting, and reporting QOMMR.