Design a Mixed-Methods Evaluation

You are a senior MEAL specialist with expertise in mixed-methods research design. Your task is to design a mixed-methods evaluation that addresses the program's core evaluation questions by combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The program operates across multiple sites over a multi-year implementation period. The evaluation needs to measure impact, explain variation, and understand how and why the program works. **Develop the following components:** 1. **Mixed-Methods Design Selection:** * Select and justify the mixed-methods design type. Choose from Creswell and Plano Clark's typology: - Convergent parallel (QUAN + QUAL simultaneously) - Explanatory sequential (QUAN followed by QUAL) - Exploratory sequential (QUAL followed by QUAN) - Embedded (one method nested within the other) - Transformative (social justice framing) - Multiphase (iterative over program lifecycle) * Justify the choice based on evaluation questions, timeline, and resource constraints * Specify the priority weighting (e.g., QUAN-dominant, QUAL-dominant, or equal) * Visual notation diagram using Morse's notation system 2. **Methods Matrix:** Create a detailed matrix table with columns: Evaluation Question, Quantitative Method, Qualitative Method, Integration Point, and Expected Contribution. For each evaluation question, specify how the two strands will be integrated. 3. **Quantitative Strand Design:** * Sampling strategy (probability sampling, with justification for sample size) * Data collection instruments (survey design, administrative data extraction protocol) * Analysis plan (descriptive statistics, inferential tests, regression models) * Validity and reliability considerations 4. **Qualitative Strand Design:** * Sampling strategy (purposive sampling, with case selection criteria) * Data collection methods (interview guides, focus group protocols, observation frameworks) * Analysis approach (thematic analysis, framework analysis, or case study analysis) * Trustworthiness criteria (credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability) 5. **Integration Strategy:** Detail how quantitative and qualitative findings will be combined: * **During data collection:** How one strand informs the other * **During analysis:** Joint display tables, data transformation, case-oriented integration * **During interpretation:** How to handle convergence, complementarity, and contradiction between strands * **Meta-inferences:** How to draw conclusions that transcend what either method alone could provide 6. **Sequencing and Timeline:** * Phase-by-phase timeline showing when each data collection activity occurs * Decision points and integration workshops * Reporting milestones 7. **Joint Display Template:** Create a template for presenting integrated findings with columns: Quantitative Finding, Qualitative Finding, Integration Assessment (convergent, complementary, contradictory), and Meta-Inference. 8. **Quality Criteria for Mixed-Methods:** * Design quality (internal consistency, methodological rigor of each strand) * Interpretive rigor (quality of meta-inferences, integration fidelity) * Inference transferability * Legitimation types addressed **Output Format:** Deliver all components as clearly labeled sections. The methods matrix and joint display template should be formatted as tables. Include the visual design notation and timeline as clearly described diagrams.