Employing a mixed method phenomenological research (MMPR) approach to understand migrants’ job transitions

In today's dynamic research environment, mixing methodologies is crucial for comprehensive insights into complex phenomena. While phenomenology, traditionally rooted in philosophy and commonly employed in qualitative studies, has evolved into a versatile tool, its integration into mixed method phenomenological research (MMPS) remains relatively scarce, nor it has been formally conceptualised. This paper introduces a novel MMPS approach applied to a PhD study investigating the employment experiences of highly skilled female migrants in Australia. Adopting Mayoh and Onwuegbuzie (2015)’s descriptive (eidetic) phenomenology and a qualitative dominant mixed research model, in this case phenomenology (PHEN→quan), the study unfolds in two phases. In the first, qualitative and phenomenology dominant phase, participants (n=28) take part in a semi-structured interview, preceded by an online questionnaire, exploring their lived employment experiences. Thematic analysis is conducted, using Nvivo, and the results help to inform the development of a quantitative instrument (online survey) that is disseminated in the second phase, to a wider sample (anticipated n≥150). Using descriptive/bivariate data analysis (SPSS), data from the second phase is being analysed. Next, integration and inference processes occur for each phase, culminating in a meta-inference that synthesizes qualitative and quantitative findings. In this novel approach, the integration allows a comprehensive understanding of the research subject, capturing the essence of lived experiences through phenomenological qualitative exploration and identifying broader trends and patterns through quantitative analysis. Such an approach not only enhances the depth of phenomenological exploration but also improves the utility and generalizability of research outputs. The study's methodology thus exemplifies the MMPS, offering a unique avenue for advancing research methodologies and enriching our comprehension of complex phenomena. It also not only pioneers a novel approach in the underexplored realm of mixed method phenomenological research (MMPS) but also contributes to the broader mixed methods agenda.

Mayoh, J., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2015). Toward a conceptualization of mixed methods phenomenological research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 9(1), 91-107.