This was similar to issues previously identified by Connelly & Yoder for qualitative research proposals [ 15] and O'Cathain et al. [ 16] for mixed methods research proposals such as a lack of rationale for the use of qualitative methodology, and a failure to outline the significance of the proposed qualitative study.
The need to improve proposals of mixed methods research more generally has already been identified in the UK [ 16] and the United States [ 13].
The National Institutes of Health in the United States have presented guidance on writing proposals for mixed methods studies generally rather than specifically to qualitative research undertaken with trials [ 13].
In a study of proposals of mixed methods studies in health research, O'Cathain, Murphy, and Nicholl [ 16] identified that key aspects of the qualitative research, such as sampling and analysis, were often not described in proposals or described inadequately, highlighting the difficulties commissioners may face when deciding on the quality of the proposed research.
A documentary analysis of the proposals, reports and publications from mixed methods studies in HSR was undertaken to explore how mixed methods studies were undertaken.
Documentary analysis of proposals and reports of 75 mixed methods studies funded by a research commissioner of HSR in England between 1994 and 2004.
A mixed methods qualitative survey investigated stakeholder responses to the proposal to develop an independently defined, audited and certifiable set of benchmark standards for responsible food marketing.
An explicit justification for using mixed methods research was given in only one third of proposals and reports in the documentary analysis (Table 4).
We use this discussion to demonstrate the value of mixed methods designs for music therapy, and introduce a specific proposal based on the findings of our exploratory research to investigate the perceived impact of music therapy to support the interpersonal communication of individuals who have ASD using a convergent parallel mixed methods design.
We engaged in iterative cycles of mixed methods research around particular questions, actions relevant to stakeholders, new proposal formulation and implementation followed by evaluation of impacts.
