Intersection of Mixed Methods and Community-Based Participatory Research: A Methodological Review

Abstract

Although mixed methods research (MMR) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) have been employed to investigate complex research questions to improve the reach, rigor, and relevance of research, little is understood about the intersection of the approaches. We conducted a methodological review of studies ( n = 129) using both MMR and CBPR, an advanced application we refer to as mixed methods community-based participatory research (MMCBPR). We systematically examined published MMCBPR studies to identify the methodological features and use in current research. Findings demonstrate that the components of MMR were not adequately described although some detail was provided about the use of CBPR. This study contributes to the evolution of advanced applications, and we offer recommendations for future applications of MMCBPR.