Speaker
Description
Introduction: Mixed methods research (MMR) refers to integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches within a research study. This century has recognised MMR as a third methodological approach. During the last decade, the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (JMMR) has established the milestones of the MMR together with the Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA).
Objective: This communication aims to conduct a scoping review of the articles that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the MMR over the first half of the present decade (2020-2025) to examine (i) the impact factor evolution, (ii) the emerging theoretical and conceptual trends, (iii) the techno-methodological elements, (iv) the present MMR implementation and report facets.
Results: Despite publishing four issues annually, the advancements observed reflect a significant positive evolution in the impact factor, as indicated by the Journal Citation Reports and the Scimago Journal and Country Rank. The JMMR is situated in the first decile of the interdisciplinary category of social sciences. Regarding the theoretical and conceptual foundations, these advancements relate to a set of paradigms (e.g., complexity theory and transformative approaches). Concerning techno-methodological characteristics, sampling strategies are now clearly stated; research designs are more complex, especially the qualitative approach (e.g., action research, grounded theory); and data analysis techniques have emerged at technical and technological facets (e.g., mixed cross-sectional analysis, social network analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, participatory visual methods, hybrid inductive/deductive thematic analysis). At the beginning of the decade, integrating computational methods into textual analysis became prevalent (i.e., language processing utilising extensive textual data corpora). There was a rise in the application of mixed-content digital techniques and increased use of visual elements (e.g., digital photographs, vignettes, Venn diagrams, mapping strategies). The debate about the dichotomy of quantification versus qualification of the methods, designs, techniques, and data analyses, plus the integration of both, has pushed for a comprehensive review of terminology, quality standards and guidelines for reporting.
Conclusions: A recent examination reveals an encouraging trend in MMR in the interdisciplinary arena. The significant advancements are at its theoretical and methodological facets, enhancing visual support. The quality of research outputs and strategic editorial management has probably provided outstanding impact factors during this decade, and the efforts toward improving the quality of MMR and its dissemination are commendable achievements.
Abstract
Introduction: Mixed methods research (MMR) refers to integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches within a research study. This century has recognised MMR as a third methodological approach. During the last decade, the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (JMMR) has established the milestones of the MMR together with the Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA).
Objective: This communication aims to conduct a scoping review of the articles that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the MMR over the first half of the present decade (2020-2025) to examine (i) the impact factor evolution, (ii) the emerging theoretical and conceptual trends, (iii) the techno-methodological elements, (iv) the present MMR implementation and report facets.
Results: Despite publishing four issues annually, the advancements observed reflect a significant positive evolution in the impact factor, as indicated by the Journal Citation Reports and the Scimago Journal and Country Rank. The JMMR is situated in the first decile of the interdisciplinary category of social sciences. Regarding the theoretical and conceptual foundations, these advancements relate to a set of paradigms (e.g., complexity theory and transformative approaches). Concerning techno-methodological characteristics, sampling strategies are now clearly stated; research designs are more complex, especially the qualitative approach (e.g., action research, grounded theory); and data analysis techniques have emerged at technical and technological facets (e.g., mixed cross-sectional analysis, social network analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, participatory visual methods, hybrid inductive/deductive thematic analysis). At the beginning of the decade, integrating computational methods into textual analysis became prevalent (i.e., language processing utilising extensive textual data corpora). There was a rise in the application of mixed-content digital techniques and increased use of visual elements (e.g., digital photographs, vignettes, Venn diagrams, mapping strategies). The debate about the dichotomy of quantification versus qualification of the methods, designs, techniques, and data analyses, plus the integration of both, has pushed for a comprehensive review of terminology, quality standards and guidelines for reporting.
Conclusions: A recent examination reveals an encouraging trend in MMR in the interdisciplinary arena. The significant advancements are at its theoretical and methodological facets, enhancing visual support. The quality of research outputs and strategic editorial management has probably provided outstanding impact factors during this decade, and the efforts toward improving the quality of MMR and its dissemination are commendable achievements.
| Oral presentation | The advancements in mixed methods research over the present decade as outlined in the Journal of Mixed Methods Research: A scoping review |
|---|---|
| Author | Olatz Lopez-Fernandez |
| Affiliation | Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia |
| Keywords | Mixed Methods Research; Scoping Review |
