The State of Mixed Methods Research in Public Administration and Public Policy

Abstract

Public administration scholars have publicized the benefits of mixed methods research and exhorted researchers to embrace mixed methods research design. Despite increasing calls for and numbers of mixed methods publications, thus far there has been no rigorous assessment of the value added by mixed methods research designs. This article provides an assessment of mixed methods articles published in leading public administration and public policy journals. The authors assess methodological quality, study purpose, and research design in order to determine the added value of mixed methods research designs. Findings highlight the promise of mixed methods research in public administration and public policy. Realizing this promise will require better appreciation of the added benefits of mixed methods designs, dedicated effort to improve the qualitative component of mixed methods studies, and greater attention to integrating the qualitative and quantitative components of mixed methods studies.