Assessing mixed methods research quality in the European student mobility literature

Abstract

Mixed methods research (MMR) integrates quantitative and qualitative research approaches to reach more valid, complete, or refined conclusions. MMR is emerging as a distinct research approach that can be particularly useful for understanding complex phenomena, like international student mobility. While other fields have established frameworks for conducting MMR, no such framework exists for European student mobility researchers. As a first step toward creating a MMR framework, this exploratory study systematically analyzed and assessed the quality of 24 MMR studies within European student mobility research using content analysis, where quality is operationalized as the alignment between the MMR rationales and study designs. Concerns arose for 10 of the 24 sampled articles, illustrating the need to establish frameworks and ensure a shared understanding of MMR. I provide three directions for future research that will inform the creation of MMR frameworks specific to European student mobility research.