However, reported works in this area is limited showing a gap in literature on the need to embed quantitative data within predominately qualitative studies. Literature subscribes to the fact that qualitatively driven or qualitative dominant mixed methods studies best capture the complexity of major educational and social issues. Embedded design is a mixed method design where one data set provides a supportive, secondary role in a study primarily based on the other data type. The onset of mixed method research provides a bridge between them with the purpose of enhancing, confirming, disconfirming or validating results of a single study. Qualitative and quantitative research paradigms have dominated the world of social science research due to philosophical world views that play divisive roles between the two. This paper presents a critical review of current variant models of the Embedded Design and further advances the discussion by presenting other possible variants of embedding quantitative data sets in predominant qualitative research design. Key words: Mixed methods research, Exploratory mixed methods design, Sequential, Instrument development, Taxonomy model, Variant model This paper therefore sought to address this gap and ends with the recommendation for designing a superior variant model under this design that would address the weaknesses of the two variant models in the literature that would result to a more rich study. For instance, it is not clear how quantitative data can be given more emphasis in a biography, an ethnography or phenomenological study in the development of an instrument to test or study the qualitative results generated in a more detailed way. On the contrary, the suitability of the various qualitative designs with instrument development model may prove a bit challenging as the quantitative data is given priority. This paper underscores the clarity of the taxonomy model in fitting in well with the various qualitative research designs since quantitative data is incorporated into the major qualitative design, and more weight is laid on qualitative data. The available literature indicates that there are only two variant models under this design. From the studies reviewed, it is not clear whether the same samples would be used in the two phases of the study. Exploratory mixed method is a two-phase design which begins with and prioritizes the collection and analysis of qualitative data. This paper gives a precise and comprehensible explanation of the exploratory mixed methods design as one of the MMR designs. The fundamental principle of mixed methods research is that researchers should collect multiple data using different strategies, approaches and methods in such a way that the resulting mixture is likely to result in grander research outcome compared to single-method research. There has been growing advocacy for a shift towards Mixed Method Research (MMR) from the purists’ traditional paradigms. Key Words: Procedural issues, Sequential Explanatory Design, Qualitative, Quantitative, Participant-Selection, Follow-up Explanations Variant The paper will therefore attempt to close the gaps in order to eliminate the divergent views on its appropriateness by researchers. This article will attempt a solution to this state of affairs. This creates a gap on which quantitative results need further explanation and the selection criteria of the sample. The Follow-up explanations variant and Participant-selection variant for the sequential explanatory model differ in the connection of the two phases, with one focusing on which results to be examined in more detail and the other on the appropriate participants to be selected. The article provided a methodological overview of priority, implementation and mixing in the sequential explanatory design and also outlines the steps for graphically representing the procedures in a mixed method sequential explanatory model. The issue of the sequence of data collection and analysis, the stage or stages in the research process at which the quantitative and qualitative data are connected and the results integrated will be discussed. The paper will also discuss the rationale on the priority or weight given to the quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The design is considered the most conventional of the mixed methods designs. This paper takes a divergent view and critically analyzes the mixed method sequential Explanatory design. It also seeks to discuss the current state of this debate and the rationale for its selection in a mixed method study. This paper focuses on some procedural issues related to the Mixed Methods sequential explanatory design which has had a contested history of inquiry and divergent views of its appropriateness by researchers.
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