Toward a Meta-Framework for Conducting Mixed Methods Representation Analyses to Optimize Meta-Inferences

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose a meta-framework for conducting what we term mixed methods representation analyses (MMRA). We define MMRA as the appropriate selection of sampling design (i.e., the sampling frame [random] or sampling boundary [purposive]; sampling combination, comprising the mixing dimension [partial/fully], time dimension [concurrent/sequential], emphasis dimension [dominant/equal status], and relationship among/between samples [identical/parallel/nested/multilevel]; sample size; and number of sampling units [e.g., of people, cases, words, texts, observations, events, incidents, activities, experiences, or any other object of study]) in order to obtain representation and concomitantly meta-inferences consistent with the study’s generalization goal(s). Thus, the goal of conducting MMRA is to attain representation and interpretive consistency in order to enhance the rigor of mixed methods research studies.

The development of a suitable training model for students with disabilities at a training institution in South Africa

“…The problem of devising an appropriate research method was complex, as it involved the Training Department, students, alumni and employers. A case study using a mixed methods approach was selected to investigate how students could be trained and helped to find and keep employment in disability-sensitised work environments (Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie 2020 ). The research paradigm was interpretive, and purposeful sampling allowed for information-rich participants (Rout 2019 ).…”

“…The questions asked in semistructured interviews stemmed from the literature study, while the document review of various government Acts, regulations and codes of best practice, minutes of meetings and other official documents, led to the framework used to analyse the training models. Both types of literature study indicated the need to include the views of students; thus, in the second phase, two quantitative methods were applied, namely a student satisfaction questionnaire and the analysis of student attendance (Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie 2020 ).…”

“…Both types of literature study indicated the need to include the views of students; thus, in the second phase, two quantitative methods were applied, namely a student satisfaction questionnaire and the analysis of student attendance (Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie 2020).…”

A Multi-Stage Approach to Qualitative Sampling within a Mixed Methods Evaluation: Some Reflections on Purpose and Process

“…Sampling plays an essential role in the insights that can be generated by mixed methods evaluation designs. Within the mixed methods research literature, sampling decisions have received increasing attention owing to their complex ramif cations for achieving coherence between research objectives, inferences, generalizations, and interpretive consistency ( Collins et al, 2006( Collins et al, , 2007Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie, 2020 ;Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007 ;Poth, 2018 ). In particular, the literature highlights that sampling approaches need to match the given study's research purpose (Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie, 2020 ).…”

“…Within the mixed methods research literature, sampling decisions have received increasing attention owing to their complex ramif cations for achieving coherence between research objectives, inferences, generalizations, and interpretive consistency ( Collins et al, 2006( Collins et al, , 2007Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie, 2020 ;Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2007 ;Poth, 2018 ). In particular, the literature highlights that sampling approaches need to match the given study's research purpose (Corrigan & Onwuegbuzie, 2020 ). Te research purpose shapes how the qualitative and quantitative components relate to one another ( Newman et al, 2003 ), and this in turn has implications for the sampling approaches used.…”