Integrating quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods research

Abstract

Objective: to describe our experience integrating quantitative and qualitative data in a mixed methods study. Methods: we described our experience through real-life examples based on a nursing doctoral thesis on professional practice governance within a hospital environment. Results: three main topics are delineated in this article: the foundation, characteristics, and typologies of mixed methods research; quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and integration; and the benefits and challenges of mixed methods research. Conclusion: it is supported that a mixed method research allowed for the identification of the convergence and divergence between the qualitative and the quantitative data, contributing for the production of results that complement each other.