Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback

Kennedy W. Awuonda; Amani Zaier

doi:10.66815/ajqr/19446

Kennedy W. Awuonda ¹ ^* , Amani Zaier ²

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AM J QUALITATIVE RES, Volume 10, Issue 4, pp. 247-265

https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446

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Abstract

This study explored graduate students' perspectives on applying the fundamentals of mixed methods research (MMR) during data collection and examined how peer feedback shaped these perspectives. We used archival data collected between 2020 and 2025 from an online doctoral research foundation class, and we analyzed participants' responses using thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: comprehensive understanding through data integration, strengthening research evidence and methodological compatibility, and collaborative learning through peer feedback. Findings indicated that students view MMR as a valuable approach for integrating quantitative and qualitative data, deepening the depth and validity of research findings, and enabling richer interpretations of research problems. Peer feedback was identified as a critical factor in promoting collaborative learning, refining research designs, and increasing confidence in applying mixed methods principles. Future research could incorporate observational or performance-based assessments to complement self-reported perspectives and provide a more comprehensive view of how graduate students operationalize MMR principles in practice.

Keywords: Mixed methods research, data integration, graduate students, peer feedback, pragmatism, thematic analysis

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Citation

Awuonda, K. W., & Zaier, A. (2026). Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), 247-265. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446

Awuonda, K. W., and Zaier, A. (2026). Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 10(4), pp. 247-265. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446

Awuonda KW, Zaier A. Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4), 247-265. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446

Awuonda, Kennedy W., and Amani Zaier. "Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback". American Journal of Qualitative Research 2026 10 no. 4 (2026): 247-265. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446

Awuonda, Kennedy W. et al. "Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback". American Journal of Qualitative Research, vol. 10, no. 4, 2026, pp. 247-265. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446

Awuonda KW, Zaier A. Graduate Students’ Perspectives on Applying Mixed Research Fundamentals to Data Collection and Peer Feedback. AM J QUALITATIVE RES. 2026;10(4):247-65. https://doi.org/10.66815/ajqr/19446