Mixed methods research is based on systematically combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mixed methods have a long history of use in sociology and, perhaps to a lesser degree, in anthropology and are thus relevant to the study of social and cultural foundations of education. This entry describes several principles of mixed methods research; contrasts qualitative and quantitative data; notes several paradigms attributed to mixed methods research; sketches the process of mixed methods research design; details one kind of design; and provides a simple, yet illustrative, example.