Value Added by Using Joint Displays in Mixed Methods Research

Authors

Elizabeth Svoboda, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Wayne A. Babchuk

Date of this Version

12-2023

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Psychological Studies in Education (Quantitative, Qualitative, and Psychometric Methods)

Under the supervision of Professor Wayne A. Babchuk

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2023

Comments

Copyright 2023, Elizabeth Svoboda

Abstract

Mixed methods research collects, analyzes, and integrates rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon than would be gained by using either method alone. Integration is one of the key features of mixed methods research and consists of mixing qualitative and quantitative research in a systematic way to generate new inferences or follow-up studies. However, the process of integration can be challenging to draw on expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods, decide when and how to integrate qualitative and quantitative research, and combine multiple data sources in a coherent way to generate new inferences. The purpose of the current study is to explore the value added by using joint displays to represent integration in mixed methods research.

The current study contributes to the field of mixed methods research by providing insight into the ways joint displays add value to mixed methods research, including comprehension, design, and clear labels. The qualitative findings shed additional light on how integration in mixed methods research is achieved in a logical progression, with a specific rationale and design to generate inferences. There are implications for accurately representing and interpreting integration procedures. Developing further insight into the ability to draw clear interpretations and conclusions provides support for mixed methods research as a rigorous scientific approach.

Advisor: Wayne A. Babchuk