Reimagining Convergent Designs: Advancing...

Reimagining Convergent Designs: Advancing Qualitatively-Driven Adaptive Designs Through Concurrent Analysis Strategies

Abstract

This methodological article advances guidance for implementing qualitatively-driven mixed methods convergent designs. A convergent design includes the concurrent collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, followed by their integration, allowing researchers to examine a research problem by drawing on different methods and perspectives. Despite the widespread use of concurrent designs, few examples illustrate how qualitative approaches can drive the integration process. Reflecting on their efforts to prioritize the qualitative component within a convergent design as researchers new to MMR, the authors identify key lessons about missed opportunities. Their experiential account highlights the value of concurrent analysis and iterative integration while addressing limitations in prevailing design guidance and building capacity for qualitatively-driven convergent designs.