Designing Mixed Methods Research by Mixing and Merging Methodologies: A 13-Step Model

In this article, a 13-step model is presented that researchers can follow in designing their own multimethodology research. A distinction is made between mixed methodology research, which contains two or more separate research strands, each designed according to a different methodology, and merged methodology research, in which a researcher creates a new methodology by combining elements from existing methodologies. First, the building blocks of our multimethodology approach are described, namely, research questions, methodologies, remote research purposes, immediate research purposes, research purpose types, scope, research strands, purpose of mixing, purpose of merging, and mixed and merged methodologies. Next, the 13-step model is presented, in which the building blocks are brought together in a coherent framework. The 13-step model is demonstrated using two real-life examples from research practice.