In a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, how are findings integrated?

• A. Findings are kept separate and reported independently
• B. Findings are compared and converged during interpretation
• C. Qualitative results are discarded if they conflict with quantitative results
• D. Only quantitative results are reported

Answer: (B)

In this design, qualitative and quantitative data are collected at roughly the same time and analyzed separately, then brought together during interpretation to see how the results fit together. The goal is to compare the findings and converge them at the interpretation stage, so you can see where the two strands reinforce each other, offer complementary insights, or reveal discrepancies that需要 explanation. This integration during interpretation provides a more complete understanding than either method alone.

Keeping findings separate and reporting them independently misses the integration step. Discarding qualitative results when they conflict with quantitative ones ignores the purpose of mixed methods, which is to explain and understand discrepancies rather than drop one side. Reporting only quantitative results neglects the qualitative perspective that can enrich interpretation.