Mixed Methods Designs for Making Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Mixed methods, cross-cultural designs are a special case of the more general, mixed methods between-groups designs. The defining feature of mixed methods is the principled integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and cross-cultural comparison is premised on the systematic collection and analysis of data from two or more cultural settings for the explicit purpose of between-groups comparisons. This article explores the interaction of mixed methods integration and cross-cultural between-groups comparison to develop cross-cultural versions of five prototypical mixed methods designs: sequential (exploratory and explanatory), parallel, conversion, fully integrated, and multilevel. Each is exemplified by published studies. Final reflections explore possible additional contributions that mixed methods might make to issues of cross-cultural equivalence in data collection and analysis.