Mixed Methods Designs: Principles and Procedures

Learn how to consolidate and enrich the mixed and multimethod skills of researchers, so that you may implement richer and more robust designs in your projects.

Need to Know

You should have a basic knowledge in qualitative and quantitative methods, understanding the basic ontological, epistemological and methodological difference between qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

No prior knowledge of Mixed Methods Designs, specifically, is required.

If you are unsure if you possess the prerequisite knowledge that is requested to be able to follow this course, please contact the instructor. The instructor will not teach these prerequisite items.

In Depth

Mixed methods research combines the strengths of qualitative and quantitative research by integrating at least one data collection and/or data analysis method from each. This approach offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of complex phenomena that may not be captured by one method alone (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, & Turner, 2007).

Multimethod research is a broader term that encompasses any use of multiple research methods, including two qualitative or two quantitative methods. The use of mixed and multimethod research designs (MMRDs) is increasingly popular, as researchers seek to better capture and analyse the complexity of their research questions. These designs are continuously evolving, and innovative techniques are being developed to further enhance their effectiveness.

Course leader

Bojana Lobe is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, where she teaches various methods courses, including Social Science Data Collection and Digital Technologies.

Target group

Researchers, professional analysts, and advanced students

Course aim

The pedagogical approach of the course is designed so that you make concrete progress on your main research project, via three main channels: (1) receiving access to multiple resources and tricks of the trade; (2) discussing in small groups, with other participants that face similar challenges; and (3) receiving small group and individual feedback and guidance by the instructor.

The overarching goal is to consolidate and enrich the mixed and multimethod skills of researchers, so that you may implement richer and more robust designs in your respective current projects and in further applications. This will include four possible ways: building such a design, justifying it, implementing it, and writing it up in the form of an RD section in a short or longer format. A particular emphasis is laid on mixed modes of data collection.