WriteWell Methods
Supporting Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research
Every study begins with a research question, and the strength of a study depends on how well it is designed to answer that question. Qualitative and mixed methods research do not follow a standard blueprint. They require thoughtful methodological decisions throughout the research process.
Research with intention
From research question to published science
Qualitative and mixed methods studies benefit from thoughtful methodological planning from the start. Careful planning keeps the research question, design, analysis, and reporting aligned. I help investigators develop methodologically sound studies from design through dissemination.
Think well.
Design well.
Write well.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research can be used to explore or explain phenomena, leading to a deeper understanding of experiences, behaviors, and perspectives that numbers cannot provide. I help investigators think through each stage of their study so the design, methods, and analysis enable them to answer their research question.
Mixed Methods Research
Mixed methods research requires intentional design, implementation, and integration of qualitative and quantitative components. The framing and sequencing of those components matter, and each component should be sufficiently developed to stand on its own while aligning with the overall study design. Data integration often begins long before analysis, including during participant recruitment. I help investigators design mixed methods studies that are methodologically sound and effectively reported.
Common Questions
- I'm pilot-testing an intervention and want to get feedback from participants. Is this mixed methods research?
- Maybe. Whether a study is considered mixed methods depends on how the qualitative and quantitative components are designed, sequenced, and integrated to address the study aims. In many pilot and feasibility studies, participant feedback is used to understand the acceptability of an intervention, identify areas for improvement, or contextualize quantitative findings. I can help you design this aspect of your study to obtain the data you are looking for efficiently and effectively.
- I have limited time left on my quantitative study but would like to add some participant interviews. What are my options?
- Adding a qualitative component late in a study may be feasible and rigorous. Options depend on your remaining timeline, budget, IRB approval, and the research question the interviews would answer.
- We coded all the data and have a code key. Now what?
- Coding organizes data; analysis explains it. The next step is moving from codes to the analytic product that matches your study design, such as categories, themes, typologies, or theory, depending on your qualitative design.
- How many questions can I include on my interview guide?
- Fewer than most investigators expect. A strong guide uses a small number of well-constructed open-ended questions with planned probes so participants can speak in depth within the available time.
- If I don't integrate the data, is it still a mixed methods study?
- Integration is the hallmark of mixed methods research. Without it, a study is generally better described as multi-method research.
- How do I report results of a mixed methods study?
- Reporting mixed methods studies often requires decisions about whether findings are best presented in a single manuscript or across multiple publications. In either case, quantitative and qualitative aims, designs, methods, and results should be described thoroughly and reported in a manner consistent with the overall mixed methods design. When reporting only one component of a mixed methods study, investigators should identify that component as part of a larger mixed methods study and briefly describe the overall study purpose and design.