We select this definition as it makes prominent what we consider to be two essential
aspects of a study that combines quantitative and qualitative elements:
(1) the notion of “integration” between quantitative and qualitative elements[3];
and
(2) the importance of developing a “single study or program of inquiry”.
Further, rather than considering mixed methods in a narrow or “pure” sense, this
definition is inclusive in allowing for the possibility of mixing encompassing both
method and methodology, and permitting variation in the weighting, mixing and timing
decisions of researchers (Johnson et al., 2007).