Design-Based Qualitative-Priority Mixed Methods Design

A design-based qualitative-priority mixed methods design places qualitative inquiry at the centre of the research, using quantitative data in a supporting, secondary role. The qualitative strand drives the research questions, sampling logic, and interpretive conclusions, while quantitative data — collected concurrently or sequentially — provide supplementary breadth, frequency estimates, or contextual triangulation. This approach is codified in the priority-notation system (QUAL + quan) developed by Morse and elaborated in Creswell and Plano Clark's mixed methods design taxonomy.