Integrating and Consolidating Data in Mixed Methods Data Analysis: Examples From Focus Group Data With Children

This methodological research study on data collection illustrates how one type of data collection generates different types of data, which can be linked and consolidated to reach a better understanding of the topic.

Abstract

The challenge in data analysis often lies in accounting for the multidimensionality and complexity of the data while simultaneously discovering patterns. Integrating and consolidating different types of data during analysis can broaden the perspective and permit obtaining complementary views. This methodological research study on data collection illustrates how one type of data collection generates different types of data, which can be linked and consolidated to reach a better understanding of the topic. Procedures and practicalities are illustrated to offer a good practice example for data integration and consolidation. With the methodological reflection of research practice, I evaluate the consequences for the field of mixed methods research, in which the practicalities of an integrated mixed analysis still need to be elaborated.