Quantitative research artifacts as qualitative data collection techniques in a mixed methods research study

The creative use of mixed methods is one way in which research designs can embrace and support the use of complex theoretical frameworks, such as those often used in psychology research. This manuscript explores a mixed methods engineering education study that leveraged artifact-based interviewing to elevate data collection. Artifacts from the quantitative phase of the mixed methods research were visually represented in follow-up interviews. The use of quantitative artifacts as visual aids in interviews improved the quality of interview data, as they gave participants language and imagery to dynamically create data in the interview. This integration aligned interview discussions with the theoretical foundations of the study while maintaining an engaging interview environment.