Advances in Mixed Methods Research: Theories and Applications

Advances in Mixed Methods Research provides an essential introduction to the fast-growing field of mixed methods research. Bergman′s book examines the current state of mixed-methods research, exploring exciting new ways of conceptualizing and conducting empirical research in the social and health sciences. Contributions from the world′s leading experts in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches are brought together, clearing the way for a more constructive approach to social research. These contributions cover the main practical and methodological issues and include a number of different visions of what mixed methods research is. The discussion also covers the use of mixed methods in a diverse range of fields, including sociology, education, politics, psychology, computational science and methodology. This book represents an important contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding the use of mixed methods in the social sciences and health research, and presents a convincing argument that the conventional, paradigmatic view of qualitative and quantitative research is outdated and in need of replacement. It will be essential reading for anyone actively engaged in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research and for students of social research methods. Manfred Max Bergman is Chair of Methodology and Political Sociology at the University of Basel.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: THE THEORY OF MIXED METHODS DESIGN The Straw Men of the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide and their Influence on Mixed Methods Research - Manfred Max Bergman Troubles with Triangulation - Martyn Hammersley Analytic Density, Postmodernism and Applied Multiple Method Research - Nigel Fielding The Practice of a Mixed Methods Research Strategy - Julia Brannen Personal, Professional and Project Considerations Methodological Issues in Conducting Mixed Methods Research Designs - John W. Creswell et al PART TWO: APPLICATIONS IN MIXED METHODS DESIGN Why Do Researchers Integrate/Combine/Mesh/Blend/Mix/Merge/Fuse Quantitative and Qualitative Research? - Alan Bryman Quality of Inferences in Mixed Methods Research - Abbas Tashakkori and Charles Teddlie Calling for an Integrative Framework Method Mix, Technical Hex, Theory Fix - Ray Pawson Mixing Data Collection Methods - Edith de Leeuw and Joop Hox Lessons from Social Survey Research Analysis with APES, the Actor Process Event Scheme - Thomas Widmer et al Multi-perspective Exploration as a Tool for Mixed Methods Research - Katrin Niglas et al

About the Author :
In the pursuit of my studies in mathematics, music, psychology, political science, and sociology, I obtained a BA from the University of California, a Diplôme d′études supérieures en science politique from the University of Geneva, and a PhD from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge. I was lecturer at the University of Cambridge until 2000, and head of research and methodology at the Swiss Information and Data Archive Service for the Social Sciences (SIDOS, now FORS) between 2000 and 2004. Prior to this, I held teaching and research posts at the Universities of Cambridge, Essex, Florence (European University Institute), Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich. I am Editor of the Swiss Journal of Sociology (SEISMO) and Editor of the Journal of Mixed Methods Research (SAGE; with D. Mertens) and I am a member of the board of the Swiss Sociological Association. Concurrently to my chair at the University of Basel, I am visiting professor at the Universities of Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in South Africa.

Review :
′[This book] represents an important contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding the use of mixed methods in social sciences and humanities and presents an argument that the conventional, paradigmatic view of qualitative and quantitative research is outdated and in need of replacement...Essential reading for anyone actively engaged in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, and for students of social research methods′ - Abstracts of Public Administration, Development, and Environment ′This text readily recommends itself to research practitioners and students, irrespective of their research specialisation or knowledge. It is a useful and accessible addition to the body of research methods literature, and will be a very helpful, practical tool for many′ - Drug and Alcohol Review