Writing for Publication: Transitions and Tools that Support Scholars’ Success - Mary Renck Jalongo, Olivia N. Saracho 2016

Mixed Methods Research Data Analyses
From Mixed-Methods Research to a Journal Article
Conference Proposals and Article Types

Simultaneously to the data collection, data are analyzed to merge the findings for triangulation; to validate quantitative data through qualitative data for triangulation; to convert the data for comparison; or to construct data that will focus on other kinds of questions than the initial ones (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011). Mixed methods research depends on the analyses and interpretations of both qualitative and quantitative data. The use of both methodologies enhances the researchers’ interpretations of significant findings when researchers make a parallel analysis (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2006). Exemplary mixed methods research yields a “synergy of both [qualitative and quantitative approaches] allows for a comprehensive analysis that can balance a persuasive, generalizable analysis with nuance and complexity” (Jacobs, 2003, p. 14).

In mixed methods research, researchers choose those techniques that correspond to the study’s purposes and combine the data at one or more stages of data analysis (Parylo, 2012). The quantitative data are analyzed using quantitative methods, while the qualitative data are analyzed using qualitative methods (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011). As mentioned previously in this chapter, data analysis can occur at different stages in the sequence. For instance, researchers can first analyze their qualitative data and then conduct a quantitative analysis using the themes and codes from the qualitative analysis. The transformation of qualitative data into quantitative data can be accomplished using sophisticated tools, such as factor analysis. Conversely, researchers can first analyze their quantitative data and then conduct a qualitative analysis, for example, developing a narrative profile based on a set of test scores or subscale scores that represent a domain (Onwuegbuzie & Combs 2011). Here is a description of the data analyses for a mixed method study: that were used by the researchers:

Concurrent analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, or “parallel mixed analysis” or “triangulation of data sources”—to mention some of the terms found in the literature. The use of two methods of questioning could contribute to cross-validation of qualities attributed to the ideal teacher (triangulation). At this stage, we analyzed the quantitative and qualitative data separately and concurrently

Sequential analysis of the qualitative data—first by qualitative content analysis to obtain its categories, and then by quantitizing techniques. After converting the qualitative categorical data into numerical binary codes, we analyzed them statistically. (Arnon & Reichel, 2009, p. 182)