Sequential explanatory design

The sequence of the design can be reversed, and the quantitative study may be carried out first and carry the dominant priority. This strategy is known as the sequential explanatory design as shown in Figure 3. 

Figure 3. The sequential explanatory design strategy (Creswell, J. W. Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches 2nd ed. p. 213, copyright 2003 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by Permission of Sage Publications, Inc.).

Sequential explanatory designs can use factor analysis— the grouping of quantitative data into factors or categories— to convert quantitative data into themes. This transformation is used to guide subsequent qualitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. It may provide areas for researchers to explore in greater depth with participants in the qualitative phase of the study. 

Staver, J Lumpe, S. Two Investigations of Students Understanding of the Mole Concept and Its Use in Problem Solving. J. Res. Set Teaching, 1995, 32, 177-193 (7). The data collection and analysis methods in both the quantitative and qualitative studies is explained in detail. This study is an excellent example of a sequential explanatory design. 

A mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design was chosen for the study. This design is considered appropriate for a study of this kind, one where initial analysis of quantitative data is followed by qualitative data collection and analysis to explain the findings from the quantitative phase (Creswell Plano Clark, 2011, chapter 3), The first objective was addressed through a survey of 177 engineers and findings from the survey were then studied in more depth by carrying out interviews of... 

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