Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research
Abstract Background The generation of metainferences is a core and significant feature of mixed methods research. In recent years, there has been some discussion in the literature about criteria for appraising the quality of metainferences, the processes for generating them, and the critical role th...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Research Methodology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02475-8 |
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| author | Ahtisham Younas Sergi Fàbregues Sarah Munce John W Creswell |
| author_facet | Ahtisham Younas Sergi Fàbregues Sarah Munce John W Creswell |
| author_sort | Ahtisham Younas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The generation of metainferences is a core and significant feature of mixed methods research. In recent years, there has been some discussion in the literature about criteria for appraising the quality of metainferences, the processes for generating them, and the critical role that assessing the “fit” of quantitative and qualitative data and results plays in this generative process. However, little is known about the types of insights that emerge from generating metainferences. To address this gap, this paper conceptualize and present the types and forms of metainferences that can be generated in MMR studies for guiding future research projects. Methods A critical review of literature sources was conducted, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and research reports. We performed a non-systematic literature search in the Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases using general phrases such as “inferences in research”, “metainferences in mixed methods”, “inferences in mixed methods research”, and “inference types”. Additional searches included key methodological journals, such as the Journal of Mixed Methods Research, International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, Methodological Innovations, and the Sage Research Methods database, to locate books, chapters, and peer-reviewed articles that discussed inferences and metainferences. Results We propose two broad types of metainferences and five sub-types. The broad metainferences are global and specific, and the subtypes include relational, predictive, causal, comparative, and elaborative metainferences. Furthermore, we provide examples of each type of metainference from published mixed methods empirical studies. Conclusions This paper contributes to the field of mixed methods research by expanding the knowledge about metainferences and offering a practical framework of types of metainferences for mixed methods researchers and educators. The proposed framework offers an approach to identifying and recognizing types of metainferences in mixed methods research and serves as an opportunity for future discussion on the nature, insights, and characteristic features of metainferences within this methodology. By proposing a foundation for metainferences, our framework advances this critical area of mixed methods research. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-778e943a730446ebb2b1467ca105e46d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2288 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Research Methodology |
| spelling | doaj-art-778e943a730446ebb2b1467ca105e46d2025-01-26T12:39:31ZengBMCBMC Medical Research Methodology1471-22882025-01-0125111010.1186/s12874-025-02475-8Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods researchAhtisham Younas0Sergi Fàbregues1Sarah Munce2John W Creswell3Memorial University of Newfoundland & LabradorUniversitat Oberta de CatalunyaBloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation HospitalUniversity of MichiganAbstract Background The generation of metainferences is a core and significant feature of mixed methods research. In recent years, there has been some discussion in the literature about criteria for appraising the quality of metainferences, the processes for generating them, and the critical role that assessing the “fit” of quantitative and qualitative data and results plays in this generative process. However, little is known about the types of insights that emerge from generating metainferences. To address this gap, this paper conceptualize and present the types and forms of metainferences that can be generated in MMR studies for guiding future research projects. Methods A critical review of literature sources was conducted, including peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and research reports. We performed a non-systematic literature search in the Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and Google Scholar databases using general phrases such as “inferences in research”, “metainferences in mixed methods”, “inferences in mixed methods research”, and “inference types”. Additional searches included key methodological journals, such as the Journal of Mixed Methods Research, International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches, Methodological Innovations, and the Sage Research Methods database, to locate books, chapters, and peer-reviewed articles that discussed inferences and metainferences. Results We propose two broad types of metainferences and five sub-types. The broad metainferences are global and specific, and the subtypes include relational, predictive, causal, comparative, and elaborative metainferences. Furthermore, we provide examples of each type of metainference from published mixed methods empirical studies. Conclusions This paper contributes to the field of mixed methods research by expanding the knowledge about metainferences and offering a practical framework of types of metainferences for mixed methods researchers and educators. The proposed framework offers an approach to identifying and recognizing types of metainferences in mixed methods research and serves as an opportunity for future discussion on the nature, insights, and characteristic features of metainferences within this methodology. By proposing a foundation for metainferences, our framework advances this critical area of mixed methods research.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02475-8Mixed methodsMetainferencesResearch methodsData integration |
| spellingShingle | Ahtisham Younas Sergi Fàbregues Sarah Munce John W Creswell Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research BMC Medical Research Methodology Mixed methods Metainferences Research methods Data integration |
| title | Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research |
| title_full | Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research |
| title_fullStr | Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research |
| title_full_unstemmed | Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research |
| title_short | Framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research |
| title_sort | framework for types of metainferences in mixed methods research |
| topic | Mixed methods Metainferences Research methods Data integration |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-025-02475-8 |
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