Mixed methods research (MMR) integrates quantitative and qualitative research approaches to reach more valid, complete, or refined conclusions. MMR is emerging as a distinct research approach that can be particularly useful for understanding complex phenomena, like international student mobility. While other fields have established frameworks for conducting MMR, no such framework exists for European student mobility researchers. As a first step toward creating a MMR framework, this exploratory study systematically analyzed and assessed the quality of 24 MMR studies within European student mobility research using content analysis, where quality is operationalized as the alignment between the MMR rationales and study designs. Concerns arose for 10 of the 24 sampled articles, illustrating the need to establish frameworks and ensure a shared understanding of MMR. I provide three directions for future research that will inform the creation of MMR frameworks specific to European student mobility research.

中文翻译：

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在欧洲学生流动性文献中评估混合方法的研究质量

混合方法研究（MMR）结合了定量和定性研究方法，以得出更有效，完整或精确的结论。MMR正在作为一种独特的研究方法而兴起，这对于理解复杂现象（例如国际学生流动性）特别有用。尽管其他领域已经建立了进行MMR的框架，但对于欧洲学生流动性研究人员而言，尚无此类框架。作为建立MMR框架的第一步，这项探索性研究使用内容分析系统地分析和评估了欧洲学生流动性研究中24项MMR研究的质量，其中质量可作为MMR原理与研究设计之间的一致性进行操作。24种样本中有10种引起了关注，说明需要建立框架并确保对MMR有共同的理解。我为未来的研究提供了三个方向，这些方向将指导创建针对欧洲学生流动性研究的MMR框架。