Integration in Mixed Methods Research With an Exemplar Explanatory Sequential Study.

Abstract

Background: Integration-a hallmark of mixed methods research (MMR)-is crucial throughout the entire research process. Despite its importance, integration remains an elusive concept often inadequately addressed by researchers, with many publications focusing solely on the final stages of data analysis and interpretation.

Objectives: The authors aim to synthesize methodologic discussions of the mixed method research integration process and provide an illustration of integration across all phases of an exemplar explanatory sequential study.

Methods: Integration in MMR includes four distinct dimensions encompassing philosophical assumptions and paradigms, methodological methods, and dissemination of integrated study findings. This paper presents our integrated study findings, illustrated by a research study conducted to investigate sleep health among women with breast cancer.

Results: Integration of quantitative and qualitative data analyses is demonstrated through consistently matching the guiding paradigm with design choice, meta-inferences, and visual joint displays. The connecting displays linking quantitative and qualitative data, compare sleep characteristics scores, and the relationship between anxiety and vasomotor symptoms. The results highlight the significance of visual tools in enhancing the analytic processes and providing a comprehensive understanding of complex clinical phenomena.

Discussion: Integrating across all stages of mixed method research studies presents many challenges. The proposed four-dimension model of integration contributes to understanding the unique value of fully integrated mixed methods results. The exemplary study findings confirm the value of integration in achieving a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of a significant clinical problem.