Surveying the Landscape of Mixed Methods Phenomenological Research.

Abstract

As the popularity and scope of mixed methods research (MMR) develops, there is increasingly a need to map the growing body of literature in order to provide more inclusive frameworks of this form of research. Whilst mixed methods phenomenological research (MMPR) has been recently conceptualized, there is a lack of systematic evidence that outlines how this approach is being adopted by researchers. Thus, the purpose of this article was to explore the current implementation of MMPR within empirical research studies in order to provide a clearer picture of how, why, and where this research approach is being adopted. Findings demonstrated that whilst the prevalence of MMPR is increasing, the majority of this work is conducted within the health sciences and prioritises the phenomenological phase. Further, a model of the five key purposes of conducting MMPR is proposed. Finally, it is concluded that MMPR articles often fail to outline adequately their methodological procedures.