title: Use of Theoretical Frameworks as a Pragmatic Guide for Mixed Methods Studies: A Methodological Necessity?
abstract: There is a growing acceptance of the utility of mixed methods in health sciences but there is no widely accepted set of ideas in regard to use of a conceptual or theoretical framework to guide inquiry. Few mixed methods health science articles report the use of such a framework. Lack of available conceptual maps provided by theoretical frameworks, necessary intricacy of design, and the qualitative "black box" tradition all contribute to a dearth of methodological guidance in such studies. This article uses a funded National Institutes of Health study as an example to explain the utility of a theoretical framework in conceptualizing a study, making design decisions such as sampling and recruitment, collecting and analyzing data, and data interpretation.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing & Health Innovation, Arizona State University, 500 N. Third St., Phoenix, Arizona 85003, , ,  bronwynne.evans@asu.edu.
authors.forename: Bronwynne C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Coon
authors.forename: Ebere
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ume