Mapping the Mixed Methods-Mixed Research Synthesis Terrain.

Area of Science:

• Research methodology
• Systematic reviews
• Mixed methods research

Background:

• Mixed methods-mixed research synthesis integrates findings from qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Existing efforts to differentiate synthesis methods overemphasize techniques over underlying logics.
• A focus on the research findings targeted for synthesis is also lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a more useful framework for understanding mixed methods-mixed research synthesis.
• To differentiate research synthesis based on underlying logics rather than solely on methods.
• To highlight the importance of the research findings themselves in the synthesis process.

Main Methods:

• The study conceptualizes mixed methods-mixed research synthesis through two core logics: aggregation and configuration.
• Aggregation involves summarizing findings, often quantitatively.
• Configuration involves transforming or restructuring findings, often qualitatively.

Main Results:

• The logics of aggregation and configuration provide a more nuanced understanding of mixed methods-mixed research synthesis.
• Neither logic is inherently superior; both are valuable depending on the research question and data.
• These logics are not exclusively tied to qualitative or quantitative methods.

Conclusions:

• Mixed methods-mixed research synthesis is best understood through the logics of aggregation and configuration.
• This framework moves beyond a methods-centric approach to synthesis.
• The choice of logic should be guided by the synthesis goals and the nature of the findings.