Qualitative Comparative Analysis as Part of a Mixed Methods Approach

This chapter introduces readers to the use of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) as part of a mixed methods study. We briefly summarize mixed methods design and factors to consider when designing a mixed methods study that uses QCA. These considerations include the integration of qualitative and quantitative data, the timing of qualitative and quantitative data collection, and using QCA to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods. We also provide an overview of the QCA method itself, comparing it to qualitative and quantitative analyses and by describing key assumptions underlying QCA. We conclude by discussing how QCA can be used within a mixed methods approach and offer examples of how several research teams have used it.

Overview of Mixed Methods Study Designs

[Page 2]The world is complex, and understanding it often requires examining phenomena from multiple perspectives and approaches. Mixed methods bring together qualitative and quantitative approaches into a single study and rely upon the complementary strengths of each approach to address a study question or several questions (Curry & Nunez-Smith, 2015). Integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis into a single study can yield a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon and more justifiable results (Plano Clark & Ivankova, 2016). Mixed methods approaches are useful in research and in evaluation.

Although mixed methods researchers may use different names for mixed methods designs, we draw on those outlined by Curry and Nunez-Smith (2015) and Creswell and Plano Clark (2018). These methodologists propose three basic mixed method study designs: convergent, exploratory sequential, and explanatory sequential. Table 1-1 summarizes the designs and their methodological characteristics.

These designs differ based on three considerations: integration of data (i.e., how the qualitative and quantitative data are brought together), timing or sequencing of data collection, and priority of methods. A convergent design involves concurrent qualitative and quantitative data collection; the researcher compares (merged integration) or combines (embedded integration) findings from each type of analysis. An exploratory sequential design begins with qualitative data collection followed by quantitative data collection; the analysis of the qualitative data informs the development and implementation of quantitative measures or instruments (connected integration) and/or contextualizes the secondary quantitative findings (embedded integration). An explanatory sequential design starts with quantitative data collection; this quantitative data collection could build toward the qualitative (connected integration) or serve as [Page 3]the primary data collection type with a supplementary qualitative component (embedded integration). These study design types can be linked in a multi-phase mixed methods study (e.g., conducting an exploratory sequential study followed by an explanatory sequential design) (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018; Curry & Nunez-Smith, 2015).