What is a "mixed methods design"?

A "mixed methods design" is a research approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative methods in one study. This design allows researchers to draw on the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative data to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.

By combining these methods, researchers can validate and triangulate findings, providing richer context and detail that might not be achievable through a single method alone. For instance, qualitative data can offer deeper insights into human behavior and experiences, while quantitative data can provide statistical validity and generalizability to findings. This dual approach is especially valuable in fields where understanding complex phenomena requires both numerical data and in-depth perspectives.

The other options describe more limited or focused research approaches. Solely using qualitative methods does not account for the systematic quantification that mixed methods strive to achieve. Exclusively focusing on quantitative data excludes the rich, narrative-driven insights that qualitative methods can reveal. Lastly, a design meant only for descriptive studies does not encompass the variety and depth of inquiry that mixed methods aim to address, which typically includes both descriptive and analytical components across both qualitative and quantitative data types.