Creating Procedural Diagrams in Mixed Methods Research Beyond Boxes and Arrows

Abstract

This methodological paper discusses foci for researchers to use when creating procedural diagrams to illustrate different design elements. This paper draws upon the nascent literature describing how researchers create such diagrams and examines a sample of them from the Journal of Mixed Methods Research from its inception until 2024. The procedural diagrams were analyzed using a two-cycle coding procedure, beginning with the constant comparative technique and concluding with deductive coding, utilizing the dimensions of Creamer’s Mixed Methods Evaluation Rubric. Four foci were found: integration, coverage, iteration, and logistics. This paper contributes to the literature by showcasing how procedural diagrams can be designed with these four foci and grounded in considerations of mixed methods quality.