Mixed Methods Research For Improved Scientific Study

The clear division between quantitative and qualitative research methods becomes problematic when students begin conducting extensive research for the first time, often as part of a master’s thesis or dissertation. In order to handle such complexities in the selection of research methods, a Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach is one proposed solution. Mixed Methods Research for Improved Scientific Study seeks to demonstrate how mixed methods research designs can address a wide array of scientific questions across disciplines. Focusing on essential concepts and methods for a hybrid approach to quantitative and qualitative research methods for real-world implementation, this publication is ideally designed for students and researchers interested in refining their research skills as well as educators seeking to integrate research methods coursework into the graduate curriculum.

Mixed methods research is becoming prevalent in many fields, yet little has been done to elevate mixed methods research in information science. A comprehensive picture of information science and its problems is needed to further understand and address the issues associated with it as well as how mixed methods research can be adapted and used. The Handbook of Research on Mixed Methods Research in Information Science discusses the quality of mixed methods studies and methodological transparency, sampling in mixed methods research, and the application of theory in mixed methods research throughout various contexts. Covering topics such as the issues and potential directions for further research in mixed methods, this comprehensive major reference work is ideal for researchers, policymakers, academicians, librarians, practitioners, instructors, and students.

In this book, Mertens provides a brief history of the emergence of mixed methods research and numerous examples to illustrate its application in different disciplines and geographic areas. Mixed methods approaches offer researchers an exciting opportunity to explore new combinations of methods in diverse contexts: the design possibilities are endless and can be incorporated in many different approaches. The book presents case studies to illustrate different philosophical lenses for mixed methods design, including post-positivism, constructivism, pragmatism, transformative, Indigenous, and dialectical pluralism. The book features interviews with researchers about their experiences and practices. They discuss a variety of topics including innovative research design, use of technology and big data, preparation of mixed methods researchers, and how this research can contribute to a more just and equitable future.

"In this pocket guide, Watkins and Gioia review the fundamentals of mixed methods research designs and the general suppositions of mixed methods procedures; look critically at mixed method studies and models that have already been employed in social work; and reflect on the contributions of and application of this work to the field"--

'Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research' offers a practical, how-to guide for designing a mixed methods study. The text incorporates activities and exercises for classroom use or for use by the researcher in preparing designs.

Authors Abbas Tashakkori and Charles Teddlie explore the most resourceful way to combine qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Researchers wanting to learn how to think about and utilize mixed methods in their studies will find this an indispensable guide for their work.

Mixed Methods Research: A Guide to the Field by Vicki L. Plano Clark and Nataliya V. Ivankova is a practical book that introduces a unique socio-ecological framework for understanding the field of mixed methods research and its different perspectives. Based on the framework, it addresses basic questions including: What is the mixed methods research process? How is mixed methods research defined? Why is it used? What designs are available? How does mixed methods research intersect with other research approaches? What is mixed methods research quality? How is mixed methods shaped by personal, interpersonal, and social contexts? By focusing on the topics, perspectives, and debates occurring in the field of mixed methods research, the book helps students, scholars, and researchers identify, understand, and participate in these conversations to inform their own research practice. Mixed Methods Research is Volume 3 in the SAGE Mixed Methods Research Series.

Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative research methods in a single study. The use of mixed methods research is increasingly popular in nursing and health sciences research. This growth in popularity has been driven by the increasing complexity of research problems relating to human health and wellbeing. Mixed Method Research for Nursing and the Health Sciences is an accessible, practical guide to the design, conduct and reporting of mixed method research in nursing or the health sciences. Each chapter stands alone, describing the various steps of the research process, but contains links to other chapters. Within the text, ‘real-life’ examples from the published literature, doctoral theses and the unpublished work of the authors, illustrate the concepts being discussed. Places mixed methods research within its contemporary context Includes international contributions from UK, Australia, NZ and USA Provides an accessible introduction to theoretical and philosophical underpinnings Demystifies strategies for analysing mixed methods data Examines strategies for publishing mixed methods research Includes learning objectives and exemplars in each chapter Final chapters provide ‘real-life’ examples of applied research About the Authors: Sharon Andrew is Head of Program (Postgraduate) and Elizabeth J. Halcomb is Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Western Sydney. Also of Interest: The Research Process in Nursing (Fifth Edition) Edited by Kate Gerrish and Anne Lacey 978-14051-3013-4 Research Handbook for Healthcare Professionals Mary Hickson 978-14051-7737-5 Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers Second edition Colin Robson 978-0631-21305-5 Reviewing Research Evidence for Nursing Practice: Systematic Reviews Edited by Christine Webb and Brenda Roe 978-14051-4423-0