Which mixed-methods design should I use?
Get the free Mixed-Methods Design Planner
A design-decision worksheet that fixes your design type, timing, priority, notation, and integration strategy, plus a joint-display planner for bringing the strands together — each with a worked example — from the Mastering Research series. We’ll email you the download link.
The core mixed-methods designs
Most mixed-methods studies are built on one of a few core designs. Two decisions — timing (concurrent vs sequential) and priority (which strand leads) — point to the right one:
- Convergent parallel: collect both strands at the same time, analyse separately, then merge to compare — for corroboration or a fuller picture.
- Explanatory sequential: quantitative first; then qualitative to explain why you got those results.
- Exploratory sequential: qualitative first to explore or build an instrument/theory; then quantitative to test or generalize it.
- Embedded: one strand sits inside a larger design of the other type (e.g. a qualitative strand within a trial).
The selector identifies the family; the hard part — integration at the point of interface, joint displays, and sampling — still needs deliberate design and, for a thesis or grant, expert review.
Frequently asked questions
What are the core mixed-methods designs?
Convergent parallel, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential, and embedded (Creswell & Plano Clark).
Explanatory vs exploratory sequential?
Explanatory = quantitative first, then qualitative to explain it. Exploratory = qualitative first to explore, then quantitative to test/generalize. The order is the difference.
How do I decide?
Concurrent + equal weight → convergent; quant-then-qual → explanatory; qual-then-quant → exploratory; one strand supporting a larger study → embedded.
Is this enough to design my study?
It gives the right family. Integration, sampling, and joint displays still need careful design and expert review for high-stakes work.
Does it store anything?
No. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded or saved.
The Mixed Methods Research Workbook
You know your study needs both numbers and narratives. But nobody told you how to actually integrate them.
58 fill-in templates. Paperback $36.99 on Amazon
See inside the workbookJust want the templates? The Mixed Methods Research Kit: every template as a fillable PDF, $19.