An Intersected Mixed Methods Design: Using the Trajectory Equifinality Approach as a Qualitative Methodology in Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

With increasing frequency, we see the intersection of rigorous qualitative methodologies in mixed methods studies. While we find grounded theory, ethnography, narrative, and phenomenology studies representing the qualitative strand in mixed methods projects, a new approach from Japan, the Trajectory Equifinality Approach (TEA), holds promise as an intersecting qualitative methodology for examining behavior change and decision-making over time. Unfortunately, this approach has limited discussion in the English-speaking literature to date. In this article, we advance the emerging "intersected" mixed methods design, describe using qualitative methodologies as the intersected "strand" in a mixed methods study, advance TEA as a rigorous methodology in a mixed method design, and present an empirical mixed methods study using TEA in terms of its worldview, questions, data collection, data analysis, validity, and writing structure. This article contributes to the mixed methods literature by advancing a behaviorally oriented, longitudinal qualitative approach (TEA), encouraging its use in mixed methods research, and expanding the discussion of "intersected" mixed methods designs.