Three charts showing the basic mixed methods research designs: parallel design, explanatory sequential design, and exploratory sequential design. Convergent parallel design consists of taking qualitative and qualitative data collection and analysis and comparing or relating the two and then interpreting them. Areas of convergence or divergence between the qualitative and quantitative results should be discussed. Explanatory sequential design starts with quantitative data collection and analysis and then follows up with qualitative data collection and analysis, which leads to interpretation. This helps determine what quantitative results need further explanation. Exploratory sequential design starts with qualitative data collection and analysis and builds to quantitative data collection and analysis, which leads to interpretation. In this design, the qualitative results are used to develop a new instrument or taxonomy for quantitative strand.