Design Patterns in Mixed Methods Research: Embedding Mixed Methods Matched Comparisons Sampling in Previous Design Decisions

Abstract

Fetters et al.’s (2013) mixed methods integration framework uses construction metaphors: building, connecting, merging, and embedding. In a similar vein, this article uses an architectural metaphor and introduces design patterns as building blocks for mixed methods research design. A design pattern embeds one specific design decision into its preceding design decisions. As an example, I will describe a design pattern for mixed methods matched comparisons sampling. Using one exemplar study, I will demonstrate the pattern’s three design phases. Embedding matched comparisons sampling into its preceding design decisions shows that, to optimize the comparison of subpopulations in the qualitative research strand, the quantitative sample of this design pattern should aim to include almost all members of one small target population.