Mixed-methods research

Mixed-methods research (MMR) refers to an integrative research approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods within a single study to both understand and explain a phenomenon. It involves collecting, analyzing, and integrating both numerical (quantitative) and textual or observational (qualitative) data to leverage their complementary strengths. Three main philosophical worldviews commonly underpin the practice of MMR: (a) pragmatism, (b) critical realism, and (c) dialectical pluralism. In addition, the MMR literature highlights several key rationales for employing MMR, including cross-referencing, supplementarity, and expansion. Depending on their research objectives, scholars can adopt either parallel or sequential MMR designs to effectively integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Translation & Interpreting Studies (TIS) draws on a diverse range of theories, methods, and techniques to explore issues related to translation and interpreting (T&I). Given its inherently interdisciplinary nature, MMR aligns well with TIS. The development of MMR in TIS can be characterized by three distinct periods: (1) emerging discussions on methodological integration in the 2000s, (2) advocacy for and analysis of MMR practice in TIS in the 2010s, and (3) diversified application of MMR across various realms of TIS in the 2020s. Despite its growing adoption, TIS researchers face several challenges in the design, implementation, and reporting of MMR. These challenges are primarily related to ensuring and maintaining the quality and rigor of MMR-based TIS. To advance MMR in TIS, researchers should undertake evidence-based methodological reviews of MMR applications in TIS and implement rigorously designed MMR studies to explore a wide range of research areas, such as machine translation post-editing, translation reception, T&I quality assessment, and meta-research on TIS.