Exploring questionable research practices in applied linguistics mixed methods research studies

Beginning in 2022, the field of applied linguistics has increasingly approached the evaluation of research quality through an ethical lens, with a particular emphasis on Questionable Research Practices (QRPs). Notably, the majority of existing investigations into QRPs have concentrated on mono-method studies, especially those employing quantitative methodologies, thereby neglecting the realm of mixed methods research (MMR). The present study seeks to illuminate the problematic areas that may contribute to QRPs within MMR studies. To this end, we analyzed 60 MMR studies published between 2011 and 2020 in leading journals within the domain of applied linguistics (AL). Our findings reveal a range of issues pertaining to MMR rhetoric and references, study purpose and design, as well as the integration of methodologies, all of which pose risks to the transparency and foundational principles of MMR. This study concludes with recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of MMR studies.