Module 1: Introduction to Mixed-Methods Philosophy and Rationale

• Defining Mixed-Methods Research (MMR) and its defining characteristics
• Philosophical foundations: Pragmatism and the research journey
• Rationale for mixing methods: Triangulation, Complementarity, and Development
• The quantitative-qualitative continuum and the language of notation (QUAN/QUAL)
• Key differences between multi-method studies and true mixed-methods research
• Practical session: Evaluating a published research article's justification for using MMR based on methodological alignment.

Module 2: Core Mixed-Methods Designs (Typology)

• Overview of Creswell's four major designs: The decision matrix
• Convergent Parallel Design (QUAN + QUAL): Simultaneously collecting data
• Explanatory Sequential Design (QUAN $\rightarrow$ QUAL): Using quantitative to inform qualitative
• Exploratory Sequential Design (QUAL $\rightarrow$ QUAN): Using qualitative to develop quantitative
• Embedded, Transformative, and Multiphase designs as specialized variations
• Practical session: Mapping two distinct research scenarios to the three core mixed-methods designs, justifying the sequence and priority.

Module 3: Convergent Parallel Design (Triangulation)

• Purpose and execution: Gaining complementary data on the same concept
• Data collection procedures: Ensuring simultaneous and independent data collection
• Data analysis: Separate quantitative and qualitative analyses
• The process of data mixing (connecting/merging/integrating the results)
• Interpreting converged, divergent, and silent findings
• Practical session: Practicing data convergence by comparing survey results (numerical findings) and key interview themes on a single topic.

Module 4: Explanatory Sequential Design (QUAN  QUAL)

• Purpose and execution of the Explanatory design: Explaining initial quantitative results
• Sampling strategies: Follow-up or nested sampling for the qualitative phase
• The role of the quantitative results in identifying cases for qualitative investigation (e.g., outliers)
• Connecting the two phases through linking statements and clear procedural flow
• Using qualitative data to explain surprising or statistically non-significant quantitative results
• Practical session: Designing a follow-up interview protocol based on statistical outliers identified from a simulated survey dataset.

Module 5: Exploratory Sequential Design (QUAL  QUAN)

• Purpose and execution of the Exploratory design: Generalizing initial insights
• Using initial qualitative findings to develop theory or survey instruments
• Generating hypotheses and conceptual frameworks from thematic qualitative data
• Sampling design for the quantitative generalization phase (e.g., probability sampling)
• Validating the qualitative model/findings with large-scale quantitative data
• Practical session: Developing draft survey questions/scales based on core themes extracted from a set of sample focus group transcripts.

Module 6: Sampling in Mixed-Methods Research

• Understanding nested, parallel, and identical sampling strategies in MMR
• The concept of purposeful sampling for the qualitative component
• Probability sampling techniques for quantitative generalization (e.g., random sampling)
• Using mixed-methods sampling matrices (e.g., maximum variation, typical cases)
• Sample size considerations and justification in MMR based on phase needs
• Practical session: Designing a maximum variation sampling plan to select participants for follow-up interviews from a large quantitative database.

Module 7: Data Integration and Mixing Strategies

• When and how to integrate data (at design, methods, interpretation levels)
• Visualizing integration: Joint displays (side-by-side matrices) for simultaneous comparison
• Data transformation: Quantitizing (coding qualitative data numerically for statistical analysis)
• Data transformation: Qualitizing (using numerical data descriptively to illustrate themes)
• Narrative integration: Weaving the quantitative and qualitative results into a coherent whole
• Practical session: Creating a joint display to show quantitative mean scores alongside illustrative qualitative participant quotes for a single finding.

Module 8: Validity and Rigor in Mixed-Methods

• Distinguishing between quantitative reliability/validity and qualitative trustworthiness/rigor
• Internal, external, and interpretive validity in the context of MMR
• Mixed-methods validity criteria (e.g., conversion validity, sequence validity, integration validity)
• Strategies for enhancing rigor (e.g., member checking, triangulation checks)
• Ethical considerations specific to combining data types and participant protection
• Practical session: Applying a mixed-methods validity and rigor checklist to self-assess a research design proposal.

Module 9: Analysis of Mixed-Methods Data

• Conducting separate quantitative analysis (descriptive and inferential statistical tests)
• Conducting separate qualitative analysis (thematic coding, narrative analysis)
• Advanced integration techniques: Typology and case-based analysis
• Software applications for managing MMR data (e.g., utilizing bridge features between NVivo and SPSS)
• Utilizing matrices and flowcharts to manage complex, multi-layered data integration
• Practical session: Analyzing a small integrated dataset using thematic analysis informed by pre-defined quantitative comparison groups.

Module 10: Writing and Disseminating Mixed-Methods Findings

• Structuring the MMR report: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion (sequential vs. simultaneous structure)
• Writing effective purpose and research question statements for MMR (e.g., combining QUAN/QUAL)
• Presenting integrated results using joint tables, figures, and visual models
• Addressing convergence, divergence, and silence in the interpretation section
• Developing actionable conclusions and recommendations based on integrated findings
• Practical session: Drafting the Methods and Results sections for a mixed-methods research proposal, focusing on clear integration reporting.

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588