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

Authors

Julie A. Corrigan, Concordia University, MontrealFollow
Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom University of Johannesburg, South AfricaFollow

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.

Keywords

Mixed Methods, Sampling, Saturation, Power Analysis, Representation

Author Bio(s)

Julie A. Corrigan is an Assistant Professor at Concordia University in Montreal where she teaches courses in educational technology and methodology. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: Julie.Corrigan@concordia.ca

Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge. Further, he is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg; Honorary Professor at the University of South Africa; Visiting Senior Scholar, St. John’s University, New York; and an Honorary Recognised Supervisor (Online), University of Liverpool. As immediate Past President of the Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA), and as someone who is passionate about qualitative research, quantitative research, and mixed research, Tony co-authored the SAGE mixed research textbook with Rebecca Frels (Lamar University), entitled, Seven Steps to a Comprehensive Literature Review: A Multimodal and Cultural Approach. He is former editor of Educational Researcher. Currently, he is editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches and co-editor of Research in the Schools. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: tonyonwuegbuzie@aol.com.

Publication Date

3-22-2020

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2020.3579

Recommended APA Citation

Corrigan, J. A., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2020). Toward a Meta-Framework for Conducting Mixed Methods Representation Analyses to Optimize Meta-Inferences. The Qualitative Report, 25(3), 785-812. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.3579