Beyond qualitative and quantitative data linking: An example from a mixed method study of family recreation

In a 1993 research note in TRJ, Henderson and Bedini discussed the challenges of linking qualitative and quantitative data within a single study. Since that time, mixed method research has appeared more frequently in the therapeutic recreation literature. Mixed method research, however, has not been fully embraced as underlying philosophical concerns persist (Datta, 1994; Samdahl, 1999). A dominant-less dominant mixed method research design and its application in a study of family recreation is presented in this research note as an approach for addressing some of these concerns. The grounding of this work in the naturalistic paradigm is discussed, as are the influences of this framework on the collection, analysis, and reporting of the data.