Table 2. Overview of mixed methods design features.

Mixed Methods Designa	Reviewed Studies	Rationale and Value	Timing	Priority Options	Mixing Strategies
Concurrent (Quan + Qual)	[39,40,44,47,48,51,52,55–57,59]	To generate generalizable results combined with in-depth explorations for cross-validation, confirmation, or completeness	Concurrent: quantitative and qualitative strands administered at same time	Equal, quantitative, or qualitative	Merging results during data analysis and/or interpretation
Explanatory Sequential (Quan→Qual)	[42,43,45,50,53,54]	To explain the mechanisms behind quantitative results with qualitative findings or build on quantitative trends with qualitative examination	Sequential: quantitative strand administered first and followed by qualitative strand	Quantitative or qualitative	Connecting from quantitative results to qualitative data collection and connecting results during interpretation
Exploratory Sequential (Qual→Quan)	[46,49,58]	To explore a phenomenon before measuring with quantitative methods to verify or build on qualitative findings with quantitative results	Sequential: qualitative strand administered first and followed by quantitative strand	Qualitative or quantitative	Connecting from qualitative findings to quantitative data collection and connecting results during interpretation
Embedded QUAN(qual)	[41]	To examine the intervention process within an experimental test of intervention outcomes	Concurrent	Quantitative	Embedding qualitative data within an experimental design
Multiphase (Quan→qual) →[qual+quan]	[38,60]	Multiple phases needed to thoroughly address study objective(s)	Combination of sequential and concurrent	Varies by strand	Combination of merging and connecting

^a The mixed methods research designs highlighted in the first column of Table 2 are derived from Creswell and Plano Clark.[16]