Which of the following is NOT a Mixed Methods research design?

• A. Sequential Exploratory Research
• B. Concurrent / Convergent Research
• C. Grounded Theory Research
• D. Sequential Explanatory Research

Answer: (C)

Understanding mixed methods means combining qualitative and quantitative strands in a single study with a planned integration of results. The designs that clearly fit this approach are structured to collect one type of data and then the other, or to collect them together and merge the findings.

Sequential exploratory design starts with qualitative data to explore a phenomenon, then uses quantitative methods to test or generalize what was learned. Sequential explanatory design does the reverse: you begin with quantitative data and follow up with qualitative data to explain those results. Concurrent or convergent design collects qualitative and quantitative data at the same time and then integrates the two sources to draw conclusions.

Grounded Theory, on the other hand, is a qualitative methodology focused on generating theory from systematically gathered and analyzed data. It is not described as a mixed methods design, because its primary aim and structure center on qualitative inquiry and theory development, rather than intentional integration of qualitative and quantitative strands.