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Creswell and Plano Clark's three core mixed methods designs (convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential)

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Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

A taxonomy of three basic mixed methods research designs in which researchers combine quantitative and qualitative approaches in a single study. The review adopts this typology "because it is widely used in educational psychology and many other disciplines" and uses it both to explain design logic (rationales of comparison, explanation, and exploration) and to classify the designs of the 57 reviewed articles. Each design specifies the timing and sequence of the two strands and the typical rationale for mixing.

Accounts

  • Creswell and Plano Clark's three core mixed methods designs (convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential): A taxonomy of three basic mixed methods research designs in which researchers combine quantitative and qualitative approaches in a single study. The review adopts this typology "because it is widely used in educational psychology and many other disciplines" and uses it both to explain design logic (rationales of comparison, explanation, and exploration) and to classify the designs of the 57 reviewed articles. Each design specifies the timing and sequence of the two strands and the typical rationale for mixing. (Matthew T. McCrudden · Macy Bowman · Gala Sofia Campos Oaxaca (2025))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • Matthew T. McCrudden · Macy Bowman · Gala Sofia Campos Oaxaca. (2025). Reporting of Methodological Rigor in Empirical Mixed Methods Research in Educational Psychology. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-025-10090-8
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id creswell-and-plano-clarks-three-core-mixed-methods-designs-convergent-explanatory-sequenti
title Creswell and Plano Clark's three core mixed methods designs (convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential)
description A taxonomy of three basic mixed methods research designs in which researchers combine quantitative and qualitative approaches in a single study.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-22
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