How to Report Mixed Methods Results

Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative data to answer research questions that neither approach can address alone. It's increasingly popular in education, nursing, and social science dissertations. But when it comes time to write the results, many students freeze: do you report the quantitative and qualitative findings separately? Together? In what order?

The answer depends on your design.

The Three Main Mixed Methods Designs

Convergent (Parallel) Design

You collect quantitative and qualitative data at roughly the same time, analyze them separately, then merge the results for comparison.

How to report: Present quantitative results first, then qualitative findings, then a merged interpretation showing where they converge, diverge, or complement each other.

Explanatory Sequential Design

You collect and analyze quantitative data first, then use qualitative data to explain or elaborate on the quantitative results.

How to report: Present quantitative results first (Phase 1), then qualitative findings that explain the quantitative patterns (Phase 2). Show explicitly how the qualitative data illuminates the numbers.

Exploratory Sequential Design

You collect qualitative data first to explore a phenomenon, then use those findings to design a quantitative instrument or phase.

How to report: Present qualitative findings first (Phase 1), then show how they informed the quantitative phase (Phase 2), then present quantitative results.

Structuring Your Results Chapter

Most mixed methods dissertations use one of two organizational strategies:

Option A: Separate Sections

• Section 1: Quantitative results (with effect sizes, tables, and statistical tests)
• Section 2: Qualitative findings (with themes, codes, and supporting quotes)
• Section 3: Integration (how the two sets of findings relate)

Option B: Integrated by Research Question

• Research Question 1: quantitative results + qualitative findings + integration
• Research Question 2: quantitative results + qualitative findings + integration

Option A is more common and easier to organize. Option B works well when each research question naturally draws on both data types.

The Integration Section Is Key

The most common critique of mixed methods dissertations is insufficient integration. Reporting quantitative and qualitative findings side by side isn't enough — you must actively connect them. Ask yourself:

• Where do the findings converge? The survey data and interview data point to the same conclusion.
• Where do they diverge? The numbers say one thing, but participants' stories say something different. This is actually valuable — explore why.
• How do they complement each other? The qualitative data adds depth, context, or nuance to the quantitative patterns.

Joint Displays: Your Secret Weapon

A joint display is a table or figure that visually presents quantitative and qualitative findings side by side, organized by theme or research question. They're incredibly effective for showing integration.

A basic joint display might have columns for:

Joint displays make your integration explicit and give your committee a clear visual of how the methods work together.

Writing Tips for Mixed Methods Results

1. Use quantitative language for quantitative results. Report means, p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes using APA style.
2. Use qualitative language for qualitative findings. Report themes, categories, and patterns. Support each theme with direct quotes from participants.
3. Don't force agreement. If the quantitative and qualitative findings disagree, that's a legitimate and interesting finding. Discuss possible reasons in your interpretation.
4. Label your phases. If your design is sequential, clearly indicate Phase 1 and Phase 2 so readers can follow the logic.
5. Be explicit about integration. Use phrases like "The qualitative findings supported the quantitative results in that..." or "Interestingly, the interview data revealed a more nuanced picture than the survey data suggested."

A Common Pitfall

Many students treat mixed methods as "quantitative study + qualitative study" stapled together. The whole point of mixed methods is that combining approaches yields insight that neither provides alone. If your results chapter reads like two separate studies, you need more integration. The joint display and the integration section are where the real value of mixed methods comes through.