Measuring the Degree of Mixed Methods Adoption: An Investigation Using Doctoral Dissertation Abstracts

Abstract

Prevalence studies have been conducted to assess the adoption of mixed methods research (MMR) across contexts. A limitation of these studies for understanding MMR adoption is their reliance on dichotomous operationalization or focus on one MMR practice. This study employed an item response theory model to examine the measurement of MMR adoption with reported MMR elements as indicators. Results indicate that MMR studies can be differentiated on their degree of MMR adoption and that elements such as Integration techniques, Sequence, and Qualitative and Quantitative Methods have a pronounced ability to differentiate MMR studies on the degree they adopted MMR practices. This study contributes to the field of MMR by offering a novel approach to operationalizing the degree of MMR adoption.