Mixed Methods Webinar Series - Judith Schoonenboom

Developing and Connecting Claims in Mixed Methods Research: A Case-based Approach
Presenter: Dr Judith Schoonenboom

This presentation shows how mixed methods researchers can gradually weave their meta-inference from the various
claims that they develop during their study.
A genuine mixed methods study culminates in a meta-inference, a conclusion that connects or integrates
various claims.
The aim of a mixed methods study is to develop a case, in the sense of a theoretical understanding of a
phenomenon.
Thus, the meta-inference represents the nuanced understanding of the case that the researcher has acquired
during the research process.
Developing this nuanced understanding occurs through a combination of three different processes. A mixed
methods study develops:
A controversial case when it develops a claim that contradict previous research or another claim within the
same study,
Subcases when it shows that different claims apply to different subgroups,
A moderated case when it shows under which circumstances one of its claim does or does not apply,
leading to the subcases.
The general mixed methods research process proceeds in the order controversial case – subcases – moderated
case.
This general process appears to be independent of whether the study’s original design is concurrent or sequential.
These processes of case and claim development affect how quality in mixed methods research is defined.