title: Guidance for using mixed methods design in nursing practice research.
abstract: The mixed methods approach purposefully combines both quantitative and qualitative techniques, enabling a multi-faceted understanding of nursing phenomena. The purpose of this article is to introduce three mixed methods designs (parallel; sequential; conversion) and highlight interpretive processes that occur with the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative findings. Real world examples of research studies conducted by the authors will demonstrate the processes leading to the merger of data. The examples include: research questions; data collection procedures and analysis with a focus on synthesizing findings. Based on experience with mixed methods studied, the authors introduce two synthesis patterns (complementary; contrasting), considering application for practice and implications for research.
authors.affiliation: Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. Electronic address: lchiangh@fau.edu.
authors.forename: Lenny
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chiang-Hanisko
authors.affiliation: Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. Electronic address: Dnewma14@fau.edu.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. Electronic address: sdyess@fau.edu.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dyess
authors.affiliation: Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. Electronic address: dpiyakon@my.fau.edu.
authors.forename: Duangporn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Piyakong
authors.affiliation: Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Boca Raton, FL, 33431. Electronic address: pliehr@fau.edu.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Liehr
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D015399:Nursing Research; D012107:Research Design
keywords: Mixed methods design; Nursing practice research