In mixed-methods research, what purpose do qualitative interviews serve?

In mixed-methods research, qualitative interviews play a crucial role by providing context and deeper insight into numerical findings. The use of qualitative interviews allows researchers to explore participants' thoughts, feelings, and experiences in greater depth than what quantitative data alone can offer. This richness of qualitative data helps to elucidate the "why" and "how" behind the numerical results, enabling researchers to interpret data more effectively and understand the implications of their findings.

For instance, if a quantitative study indicates that a certain intervention improves outcomes in a specific population, qualitative interviews can help researchers explore participants' experiences with the intervention, revealing factors that contributed to its success or challenges faced during implementation. This combination of qualitative insights with quantitative data creates a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic, facilitating nuanced conclusions and recommendations.

While other aspects, such as verifying reliability or summarizing responses, might be relevant in different contexts of research, they do not capture the primary purpose of qualitative interviews within a mixed-methods framework, which is fundamentally about enhancing understanding and interpretation of quantitative outcomes.