Mixed methods research has gained visibility within the last few years, although limitations persist regarding the scientific caliber of certain mixed methods research designs and methods. The need exists for rigorous mixed methods designs that integrate various data analytic procedures for a seamless transfer of evidence across qualitative and quantitative modalities. Such designs can offer the strength of confirmatory results drawn from quantitative multivariate analyses, along with “deep structure” explanatory descriptions as drawn from qualitative analyses. This article presents evidence generated from over a decade of pilot research in developing an integrative mixed methods methodology. It presents a conceptual framework and methodological and data analytic procedures for conducting mixed methods research studies, and it also presents illustrative examples from the authors' ongoing integrative mixed methods research studies.

Objectives Under an ecodevelopmental framework, we examined lifetime segmented assimilation trajectories (diverging assimilation pathways influenced by prior life conditions) and related them to quality-of-life indicators in a diverse sample of 258 men in the Pheonix, AZ, metropolitan area. Methods We used a growth mixture model analysis of lifetime changes in socioeconomic status, and used acculturation to identify distinct lifetime segmented assimilation trajectory groups, which we compared on life satisfaction, exercise, and dietary behaviors. We hypothesized that lifetime assimilation change toward mainstream American culture (upward assimilation) would be associated with favorable health outcomes, and downward assimilation change with unfavorable health outcomes. Results A growth mixture model latent class analysis identified 4 distinct assimilation trajectory groups. In partial support of the study hypotheses, the extreme upward assimilation trajectory group (the most successful of the assimilation pathways) exhibited the highest life satisfaction and the lowest frequency of unhealthy food consumption. Conclusions Upward segmented assimilation is associated in adulthood with certain positive health outcomes. This may be the first study to model upward and downward lifetime segmented assimilation trajectories, and to associate these with life satisfaction, exercise, and dietary behaviors.

The prevention of substance use and abuse among racial and ethnic minority youths is best understood within the context of a multilevel ecodevelopmental model. Several known risk and protective factors for youth substance use occur within various lower level Funding was provided for Joshua G. Kellison by National Institutes of Health institutional training National Research Service Award T32 MH018387.The field of minority research uses interchangeable terms when referring to the populations that constitute the major racial and ethnic minority populations of the United States. The U.S. Census uses the terms non-Hispanic White to refer to dominant culture mainstream Americans, who selfidentified as "White, not of Hispanic origin." In this chapter, we use the term White Americans to refer to this population. The U.S. Census uses the term Hispanics to refer to people of Latin American background who are of Mexican heritage, Puerto Rican heritage, and Cuban heritage and for people from Central and South America. In this chapter, we use the terms Hispanics and Latino interchangeably. Where indicated, we will refer specifically to Latinos or Hispanics in terms of their specific national heritage, such as Mexicans or Mexican Americans. The U.S. Census uses the term African American or Black to refer to Americans of Black ancestry, and in this chapter, we use the terms African American and Black interchangeably. The U.S. Census uses the term Asians to refer to people from eastern nationalities and heritages, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, and from related nationalities of South Asia. In this chapter, we use the term Asian Americans to refer to this population. The U.S. Census uses the terms American Indians or Alaska Natives to refer to indigenous people of North America. In this chapter, we use the terms Native Americans and American Indians interchangeably to refer to this population.

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