Abstract

Mixed methods research has gained traction in the social sciences, evolving as a genre of inquiry that intentionally and systematically connects qualitative and quantitative methods in order to address substantive questions. Mixed methods projects are often preplanned, resulting in a fixed design. MMR can also be emergent; a researcher may craft a follow-up qualitative study, for instance, to make meaning of elusive quantitative findings. We unveil the nature of mixed methods research in the context of philosophical positions with critical attention to successes and challenges. Drawing from examples in the health social sciences, we showcase major mixed methods approaches – such as convergent parallel, exploratory, explanatory, intervention, and hybrid designs – while attending to notions of mixing, timing, and weighting data. Criticisms and accolades regarding MMR are thread throughout the chapter, given their parallels to phases in research design. Pivotally, the chapter also addresses ways that readers can “get started” on their own mixed methods projects.