Pre-conference Workshop on “Mixed Methods Research”- Report

Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal organized the Pre-conference workshop on “Mixed Methods Research (MMR)” on 7th July 2025, as part of the ‘Manipal International Conference on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in Health’ at 2nd floor, Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, KMC, Manipal.

Dr Tessy Treesa Jose, Associate Dean, MCON, Manipal, welcomed the gathering. Dr Linu Sara George, Convenor of the conference, gave an overview of the workshop. Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Professor & Dean, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, Dr. Preethy D’Souza, Senior Research Fellow, University College London, UK; and Dr. Mahalakshmy T, Additional Professor, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, JIPMER, Puducherry, were the resource persons.

The workshop started with a session on “Introduction to Mixed Methods Research” by Dr. Judith A. Noronha, Dean, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal. In this session, Dr. Judith, gave an overview of mixed methods research, when to use mixed methods research, components of mixed methods research, and gave an overview of the designs. She also elaborated on the application of mixed methods research, methodological characteristics, advantages and challenges faced in conduct of mixed methods research.

The second session on ‘Mixed Methods Research Designs’ (online) was delivered by Dr. Preethy D’Souza, Senior Research Fellow, University College London, UK. Dr Preethy elaborated on the basic and advanced designs of mixed methods research, the use of each method, and the emerging trends in mixed methods research. She also emphasized on the application of these approaches in complex policy research and public health interventions with examples to highlight the utility of these methods in improving research.

The third session on ‘Major Strategies for Integration: Connecting, Building & Merging' was delivered by Dr. Mahalakshmy T, Additional Professor, Dept. of Preventive & Social Medicine, JIPMER, Puducherry. Dr. Mahalakshmy outlined the purpose of mixed methods research with examples, features, and the major strategies of integration, including Connecting, Building, Merging, and embedding.

Post lunch session was on “Joint displays for Mixed Methods Integration” by Dr. Mahalakshmy T. She elaborated on the use of joint display as an analytic process in the integration and reporting of mixed method research. She illustrated on how joint displays can facilitate meaningful comparison and synthesis of qualitative and quantitative results to visualize and interpret integrated data, thereby enhancing the transparency and rigour of mixed methods studies. Hands-on session was conducted on the use of joint displays and integration of data.

At the end of the session, participants were provided an opportunity for open discussion and clarification of doubts. The speakers addressed questions from the participants and provided additional resources for further learning in mixed methods research. All the sessions were interactive with adequate involvement from the participants.

The workshop brought together participants and experts from various field of research and was attended by 41 national and international delegates, including faculty, students and researchers.

Feedback was taken from the participants, regarding the workshop. Participants appreciated that the sessions were informative and useful and provided positive feedback regarding the hospitality and organization of the conference and congratulated the entire organizing committee.

The workshop concluded with awarding certificates to the participants. The master of ceremony was Ms. Preejana Sharma, PhD Scholar, MCON, Manipal.

The workshop was in line with the third and fourth Sustainable Development Goals proposed by the United Nations, which are “Good Health and Well-being” and “Quality Education”, respectively.