Method Cafe: Mixed Methods Dialogues in Relay (1): Developing Mixed-Methods Research Using the Positive Deviance Approach

Abstract

A research project funded by Kaken, the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, and conducted by board directors from the Japan Society for Mixed Methods Research (JSMMR), has successfully developed a comprehensive e-learning program for Mixed Methods Research (MMR) focusing on nursing researchers. As a result, we have publicly begun offering the program in spring 2025. In this academic journal published by JSMMR, we have launched the series, “Method Cafe: Mixed Methods Dialogues in Relay,” to provide materials for learning MMR that support the e-learning content further, such as providing opportunities to explain research designs.

As the first in the series, this paper aims to deepen readers' understanding by introducing two mixed-method research studies that also applied the positive deviance (PD) approach and examining and explaining them from the perspectives of the PD approach and MMR.