Which term best describes the overall approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data within a single study?

• A. Qualitative Research
• B. Reproducibility
• C. Mixed Methods
• D. Constellation

Answer: (C)

Mixing qualitative and quantitative data within a single study is described as mixed methods. This approach blends numerical analysis with in-depth, contextual understanding to address questions that require both breadth and detail. By combining data types, researchers can triangulate findings, corroborate results, and gain a fuller picture. Designs can be concurrent (collecting both types at the same time) or sequential (one after the other), with integration happening during data analysis or interpretation, such as weaving qualitative themes with quantitative results to tell an integrated story. For example, a study examining student learning might use exam scores to measure performance and interviews to understand how students experience the course, then bring these strands together to explain why outcomes occurred. The other options describe either only a single data type, a concept about replicating results, or an unrelated term, so they don’t capture the combined approach.