I am conducting a research study using a mixed methods exploratory sequential design (QUAL+quan). I have completed the qualitative phase and I am now in the process of working on the quantitative findings chapter. I'm wondering about the best way to structure this part of my research. Would it be appropriate to structure the quantitative chapter to reflect the same themes that emerged during the qualitative phase? Any advice or resources on how to structure this chapter would be greatly appreciated
Yes, my students start with an introduction, then provide a tables that includes their research questions and objectives together with the themes and categories that emerged from the qualitative research as an overview. Thereafter that provide the themes and applicable categories and end off with a summary. Please refer to the following thesis examples of one some of my students qualitative studies:
https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/3122
https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/3223
Although you may have collected the data concurrently, you are analyzing it sequentially. There is no problem with this, and starting with the QUAL data as a framework makes sense, given your design.
One thing you might consider is building a so-called Joint Display, using your QUAL data as the framework for that figure.
Let me add another idea, from Danny Gioia and my own travails: Be open to dysfluency and discomfirnation. Beware of theory allegiance, where you're myopic.
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