Part C. Mixed-Methods Methodology

transcription software, such as Descript, Trint and others. Vendors and freelancers also can be hired to transcribe interviews but are typically the most expensive options.

Whether through the transcribed interviews or notes taken from the interview or focus group, analyzing qualitative data can be done through deductive or inductive analysis. After these analyses are complete, it is essential to review the qualitative data and track the instances of themes in participant responses, the frequencies of themes overall, and the sentiment of the participant when sharing (e.g., positive, negative or any other emotions).

Deductive Analysis

Deductive analysis involves the use of pre-formed ideas of themes or “codes” that align with the overarching purpose of the evaluation. These themes are created before reading through the transcripts and are based on the expected outcomes that align with the questions.

Inductive Analysis

Inductive analysis is an open exploration of developing ideas based on what was shared in the interview or focus group. These themes arise from reading through transcripts or listening to the recording. Once all the themes are identified, sub-themes may need to be merged based on what is most notable.

Resources – Further Reading Using Excel for Qualitative Data Analysis51 Using MS Office to do Qualitative Analysis52 Atlas.ti53 Dedoose54 Brief Guide to Using NVivo55 MaxQDA56

The combination of qualitative and quantitative data collections, also known as mixed-methods methodology or triangulation, improves the credibility and validity of findings and is the preferred data collection method, if resources allow. Mixed-methods methodology is a design for collecting, analyzing and combining both quantitative and qualitative data in a single study or series of studies to conduct an evaluation (see Exhibit 3). Qualitative and quantitative data can be used to support and reinforce one another and is typically considered as the “holy grail” in evaluation research due to its ability to provide high validity and credibility, completeness and context, diverse views, and, sometimes, unexpected results.

Exhibit 3 . Mixed-Methods Triangulation Strategy

QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE

Data Collection Data Analysis

Results Compared, Integrated & Interpreted

Graphic derived from the research paper, “A Student Retention Model: Empirical, Theoretical and Pragmatic Considerations.”57