2021

Åkerblad, Leena; Seppänen-Järvelä, Riitta; Haapakoski, Kaisa

Despite the critical role of integration as a methodological concept in mixed methods studies, researchers lack a theory for integrating. In this article, we introduce the concept of integrative strategy by analyzing three mixed methods rehabilitation-related studies. These studies represented an analytical strategy based on a multiperspective stakeholder approach, a theory-bound analytical strategy, and a theory-oriented synthesizing strategy. We define integrative strategy as a process in which the system of relations within the study is explicated and justified in accordance with the research purpose and phenomenon. This article contributes to mixed methods research by providing a novel concept of integrative strategy. The concept encompasses both study-specific practices of integration and their justifications, thereby bringing methodological discussions and practices closer together.