Using Mixed Methods: Frameworks for an Integrated Methodology

About the Book

Using Mixed Methods offers an innovative approach to social and educational research. The author sets out the case for research from an holistic perspective, integrating different methods, different data and overall research strategies.

This book shows how to use an integrated methodology that meets the needs of the postgraduate researcher who wants to challenge the traditional paradigmatic view of research.

The author explores:

- The FraIM and its application to social and educational research

- The contexts of research

- Different methods of data collection

- Types of data and their natural integration within the research process

This book is for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students on social science and education courses.

David Plowright is a lecturer in the Centre for Educational Studies at the University of Hull.

Table of Contents:
From Mixed Methods to an Integrated Methodology The FraIM: Frameworks for an Integrated Methodology Case Selection: Data Source Management Case Selection: Integrated Sampling Data Collection: An Overview Observation Asking Questions Analyzing Artefacts I Analyzing Artefacts II Data Integration Warrantable Research: Using the FraIM as a Guide Ethical Issues in Participant-Centred Research Wider Ethical Issues and the FraIM Holistic Integrationism: Philosophizing Research A Few Final Words

About the Author :
Dr. David Plowright is currently a lecturer in the Centre for Educational Studies at the University of Hull. His research interests are focused on educational leadership and management and he is currently undertaking research into school improvement in South Africa.

Review :
This is not just yet another book for the bookshelf labeled Research Methods. It proposes a fundamentally different way of thinking about, and doing, social and educational research. In this approach the research methodology determines the philosophy rather than the reverse. This basic shift from the usual perspective encourages not only a pragmatic approach to research but is surprisingly liberating. Much of the usual nomenclature of research is wiped clean away so that the student is freed from the notion of having to learn a new dictionary of research terminology before embarking on the voyage of discovery. This not only positively sanctions ′mixed methods′ approaches, but implies that the traditional barriers between research methodologies have often been misguided. The framework offered in this book will be well worth considering by any student embarking on research in these fields. The overall structure of the book, the chapter summaries and the linking chapter conclusions offer in themselves a model of clear expression. Read this book before you read any of the other texts on research methods and you may never clutter up your mind in the first place!
Professor David Hellawell
Birmingham City University

This is an unusual and stimulating introductory research methods text which will be of real interest to anyone setting out on a small scale research study. It is not the first to reject the well-known qualitative/quantative dichotomy, but it is probably the first to reject the terms themselves and the conceptual baggage they bring with them, preferring instead to concentrate on the frameworks used to organise the way research is thought about. The introduction of Frameworks for an Integrated Methodology (FRaIM) is a novel and evidently productive way of understanding and synthesising the host of methodological literature that can so easily confuse the beginning researcher. The emphases throughout are on integration and methodology and on clarity of expression. Practical examples support and develop further the key elements of the book and each chapter is supported by relevant further reading. This book represents a key text for the individual social science researcher and for those involved with introducing the general area of research methods to beginning researchers
Professor Peter Gilroy
University of Plymouth

This is an intriguing book in many respects, perhaps the first true attempt I have come across to provide a practical framework for new researchers that want to work with mixed research methodology...I have already recommended students to take a look at it and see if it resonates with them and their work. Some have, with one or two deciding they will use it as a frame for their EdD theses....particularly for the new researcher, I imagine it could be a very useful tool in their research armoury
Dr Julie Anderson
ESCalate

I like the way this book is organised and written. I think it will be a real benefit to the students in the autumn as many of them are hoping to adopt a mixed method approach for their thesis. The information is relevant and it is an enjoyable read. An excellent synthesis for the approach of theological sociological projects using empirical methods. We can use it for both the DMin students and the BA cross cultural communications research & Cultural anthropology course projects. A straightforward and handy book on the area of mixed research. A good use of summary boxes, reflections and examples throughout the text. very useful book which adds to the other readings available and which helps students to make informed choices on which methodology to apply to their research The book will be recommended for the new cohort of students since it provides some helpful tips as to how to link various methods in their studies. Very useful for our doctoral candidates who want to combine `hard′ quantitative approaches with the `soft′ business management aspects of their professional practices. This is now becoming a key text along with the SAGE C.Costley et al

An excellent and accessible source for practitioner research by a scholar who is aware of the needs of new forms of insider research. Congratulations. Plowright′s book is highly recommended for students in both undergraduate and graduate level research methods course.
The book provided step by step guide for the framework of an Integrated Methodology FraIM. Chapter 14 of the book is an extremely useful resource for the students towards framing their research in the key philosophical frameworks. Integration as a new paradigm is gaining popularity in the world of academic and research and this book provides a foundation to it.

decided to go with Creswel & Plano Clark I like the rigour which is brought to bear on mixed methods as an approach but also appreciated the flexibility and recognition of real world applications which are essential for professional learners. Extremely clear and readable guide. Brings rigour to the mixed-methods approach but with the necessary flexibility for professional learning. Address all relevant issues. Language used at a level that students would find easy to follow and understand as fot most students English is not their mother tongue. The MBA course is esentially a course with built-in integrative perspective, so this text was very appropriate. A valuable addition to our reading lists. This book provides a novel yet pragmatic approach to mixed methods and will be of great value to researchers embarking on mixed methods. It is more suitable for postgraduate studies than undergraduate and the former are more likely to find the FRaIM a useful tool for their projects. Well-written book.Concise and well-presented I recommended adoption to the course monitor, but they did not adopt. I recommend this text to my students though. Thank you. This book provides useful information for students preparing research proposals Very useful for dissertation students who are contemplating mixed measures. Have recommended this for use within CYP, Health and Education. Interesting approach and makes a convincing case for using mixed methods Using mixed methods frameworks for an integrated methodology is aimed primarily at those who seek to undertake small-scale social and educational research projects. The book contains 15 concisely written chapters in an accessible language for undergraduate and postgraduate students to easily understand and the end section of the book contains a useful name index and subject index.
The text introduces the reader to the concept of the FraIM approach which rejects the traditional dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative methods. Instead the text argues that researchers can implement mixed research methods through the use of frameworks to help structure and bring together integrated elements from both qualitative and quantitative methods of the research process, as well as addressing wider ethical issues with implementing the FraIM as an approach to gathering and analysing data. This book is recommended for anyone who is undertaking a mixed methods approach to research and seek a framework to situate their research within.
I thought this was an interesting text offering a different perspective on mixed methods. and how this approach can be used in priamry research Mixed method frameworks- adopted reading supporting student progress in this complex area of research- excellent for first time mixed method researchers Very good textbook for those who want to adopt a Mixed approach. I learned so much as a novice researcher. A well written easiliy understood textbook allowing the student to ve able to understand the undeprinning concepts in relation to this third paradigm. This very clear & structured approach to research methods will be a useful addition to early career researchers and students undertaking dissertations. A thouroughly enjoyable book in advocating this mixed method style of research. The book is well organised and clearly written. Simply arranged which takes the reader to the relevant aspects of undertaking this approach to research which is becoming more and more prominent in dissertations. Plowright provides a practical framework that gives a more structured approach for students new to mixed research methodology I consider this to be an important addition to the reading list for my students embarking of a higher degree and need direction on methodology. Essential reading for someone embarking on any level of research. The Framework for an Integrated Methodology is unpacked enough to allow researchers to be able to use and benefit from. Useful in supporting students to think outside the box and not adopt a singular approach to research This is a current and readable text which will help anyone undertaking educational research.
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I have no hesitation in recommending it to learners, and I will be using it myself when I undertake my Doctorate.
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The chapters are logical and the topics explained well, with examples and case studies. The ‘summaries’ help put theory into practice.
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There is a very comprehensive reference list, subject index and name index. The latter being really useful to quickly locate sources of reference. Content went straight into specific frameworks ie the FralM which seeemed to provided a limited/constricted way of using mixed methods rather than providing a comprehensive introduction/overview of mixed methods This is a clear guide for students undertaking dissertation. More suitable for postgraduate research degrees than the PGCE. A useful reference book in the library for the latter. An interesting read for a post graduate early career researcher. It provoked an interesting discussion amongst colleagues. an excellent text for those considering mixed methods as a methodology Provides an excellent tool for students preparing to conduct their research This book will be an important addition to our course litterature in scientific research. This text is a very helpful one for any student planning to use mixed methods methodology This text presents the strengths of MM approaches and is unusual in doing this. It is clear and easily read by students. The school ended up not giving me the research course to teach