Qualitative Vignette Experiments: A Mixed Methods Design

Abstract

Despite emerging interest in mixing experimental and qualitative methods, a gap exists in integrating qualitative vignettes and experimental design. We present a novel mixed methods design, the qualitative vignette experiment, defined as the use of vignettes designed to introduce experimentally controlled variation in information within qualitative semistructured interviews. We argue that this design can provide context-rich data on causal mechanisms. This article contributes to the debate on integration in mixed methods research and is useful for scholars studying human practice and the link between macro-structural conditions and micro-interpretive processes. The design builds on an integrated ontology of critical realism and a complementary epistemological foundation of postpositivism and interpretivism. This means that researchers have to adhere to multiple validity criteria.