Mix-Methods Research

17-19 September 2025

Dre Elisa Volpi, UNIGE

Pr Ingo Rohlfing, University of Passau

The workshop introduces to participants to fundamentals, principles and practices of mixed-method research (MMR) that combines components of qualitative and quantitative research. We start with a clarification of what MMR is, what it is not and to what extent it is possible to combine qualitative and quantitative elements without friction. In the second part, we distinguish dimensions of MMR and systemize the variety of research designs that are possible. This allows the participants to navigate the MMR-landscape and identify designs that are suited for answering a research question. Based on these foundational issues, we address several stages of designing and implementing empirical research to discuss special elements and challenges of mixing methods. These stages include theory-building; concept formation; development of a coherent research design; case selection, in particular for the qualitative part; data collection and analysis; interpretation of potentially incoherent findings in the qualitative and quantitative analysis; strategies for presenting MMR. Throughout the course, we work with mixed-methods studies from the social sciences for illustration.

The workshop will take place over 2.5 days (ending before lunch on Friday, September 19th). More details about the precise schedule will follow.

Lausanne

15