Mixed Methods

Welcome to Mixed Methods

Description:

This intensive three-day workshop provides PhD students with a deep dive into mixed and multimethod research approaches, using peer and problem-based learning (PBL) methods. Designed for doctoral researchers across the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and selected participants from other faculties, the course balances theoretical discussions with applied exercises (supervised and unsupervised), networking opportunities, and publication-oriented insights.

The workshop equips students with the ability to critically evaluate and apply mixed and multimethod research designs, fostering a nuanced understanding of their epistemological foundations, typologies, and best practices. Through a combination of lectures, debates, editorial discussions, and student-led presentations, participants will refine their research questions, develop methodologically sound study designs, and gain insight into the peer-review process along with its requirements, potential opportunities and barriers. While combination of quantitative and qualitative research would be at the core of the module, other methods including fs/csQCA (qualitative comparative analysis) and NCA (necessary condition analysis) will also be presented.

The course furthermore incorporates structured feedback and individualized supervision, enabling students to advance their own research projects. By the end of the workshop, students will have developed a mixed or multi-method research proposal or paper draft, which will undergo peer and instructor evaluation as part of the course assessment.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon completion, students will be able to:
• Distinguish between mixed-method and multimethod research designs.
• Critically evaluate the suitability of these approaches for different research question.
• Develop and refine a research proposal integrating mixed or multimethod designs.
• Reflect on potential editorial and peer review requirements related to multi and mixed method designs.
• Apply best practices in designing and implementing mixed-method research.
• Articulate the strengths, challenges, and ethical considerations of combining multiple methods.

Assessment & Prerequisites

Participants will be required to submit an assignment (~14 days before the final session) demonstrating their ability to apply mixed/multimethod research principles.

The assignment will be evaluated with structured feedback from instructors.

The course is open to all PhD students enrolled in a Danish University, with priority given to AAU Business School (AAUBS) and SSH students with background in (either/or or both) qualitative and quantitative research methods.

We invite a short statement of interest along with the application to the course

This course is ideal for PhD students seeking to enhance their methodological toolkit, refine their research approach, and navigate the complexities of publishing in mixed and multimethod research.

Teaching methods

The module combines:

• Classic lecturing (presentation of types of multi and mixed-methods research along with examples) with
• PBL- group work (small in-class assignments)
• Peer learning based on peers presentations
• Individual work with supervision from the teachers(final assignment).

Groups will be formed before the course starts.

Programme outline:

Course Structure & Key Topics

Day 2: Student Presentations & Supervision (F2F)

Day 3: Assignments & Synthesis (F2F/Hybrid)

Description of paper requirements:

The assignment paper shall not exceed 3 standard Word pages. It shall include the following:

• RQ clearly stated
• Brief summary of the theoretical background (not more than a page)
• A detailed design with use of multi/mixed methods including reflection on the type (see typologies introduced in the module) and the pros/cons of different methods.

Mandatory literature:

Wellman, N., Tröster, C., Grimes, M., Roberson, Q., Rink, F., & Gruber, M. (2023). Publishing multimethod research in AMJ: A review and best-practice recommendations. Academy of Management Journal, 66(4), 1007-1015.

Sætre, A. S., & Van de Ven, A. (2021). Generating theory by abduction. Academy of Management Review, 46(4), 684-701.

Bliese, P. D., Certo, S. T., Smith, A. D., Wang, M., & Gruber, M. (2024). Strengthening theory–methods–data links. Academy of Management Journal, 67(4), 893-902.

Hymer, C. B., & Smith, A. D. (2024). Making exceptions exceptional: A cross-methodological review and future research agenda. Journal of Management, 50(6), 2374-2402.

Kumar, P., Nowinska, A., & Zaheer, A. (2025). The Paradox of Spatial and Relational Embeddedness: Tie Reinitiation after a Trust Violation. Academy of Management Journal, 68(1), 81-107.

Andersen, K. V., Lorenzen, M., & Nowinska, A. U. (2024). Scarce resources or damaged goods? On the legitimacy of laid‐off workers following MNC failure. Global Strategy Journal, 14(3), 604-634.

Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. P. (2007). Mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA.

Creswell, J. W., Clark, V. L. P., Gutmann, M. L., & Hanson, W. E. (2003). Advanced mixed. Handbook of mixed methods in social & behavioral research, 209, 209-240.

Ter Wal, A. L., Criscuolo, P., & Salter, A. (2023). Inside-out, outside-in, or all-in-one? The role of network sequencing in the elaboration of ideas. Academy of Management Journal, 66(2), 432-461.

Nygaard, K, Brix, J, & Graversgaard, M. (2025) We Might Disagree But Can We Make It Work? (upload)

Suggested literature:

Nowińska, A., & Pedersen, T. (2024). Project managers and decision making: Conditional cognitive switching and rationally stepping up. Long Range Planning, 57(1), 102414. TO BE DISCUSSED 

Organizer: Agnieszka Nowinska & Kenneth Nygaard

Lecturers: Agnieszka Nowinska & Kenneth Nygaard

ECTS: 3

Dates:  

• 29-30 of October 2026
• & 1 day - Primo December in connection with and prior to the EIBA conference hosted by the Business School  

Place: Aalborg University

City: Aalborg

Number of seats:  14

Deadline: 8 October 2026

Payment informartion:  PhD Students (outside Denmark): 6000 DKK (excluding VAT)

PhD students from Danish universities (excluding Copenhagen Business School) can take subject-specific courses at other Danish universities free of charge, thanks to an inter-university agreement. 

Payments can be made online via credit card. The payment link will be active close to the registration deadline, and payment must be completed October 8, 2026.

Payment link: https://www.events.aau.dk/event/phd-course-mixed-and-multimethod-research-in-social-sciences-2026

Important information concerning PhD courses:

There is a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before the start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start of the course.

We cannot ensure any seats before the deadline for enrolment, all participants will be informed after the deadline, approximately 3 weeks before the start of the course.

You may find more information in our FAQ:  https://phd.moodle.aau.dk/local/page/faq

For inquiries regarding registration, cancellation or waiting list, please contact the PhD administration at phdcourses@adm.aau.dk. When contacting us please state the course title and course period. Thank you.