Mixed Methods Applications in Action Research: From Methods to Community Action

This first-of-its-kind book provides readers with the information they need to design and conduct a mixed methods action research (MMAR) study in a practical and pragmatic manner. Using a multidisciplinary focus, the author provides a scholarly and applied orientation to meet the varied epistemological and professional needs of scholar practitioners. The book is applicable to broad audiences with different levels of research skills, including students learning how to conduct research in practical settings, practitioners faced with the need to address pertinent issues in their professional practices, community leaders seeking to inform policy changes, and college faculty who teach research methods and conduct funded research in collaboration with practitioner-researchers and community stakeholders. A wide variety of pedagogical features make it appropriate for use as an instructional text aimed at developing skills in designing, conducting, implementing, and reporting an action research study that integrates mixed methods.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Applying Mixed Methods in Action Research Chapter 1: Introducing Mixed Methods Research Definitions of Mixed Methods Research Example of a Mixed Methods Research Study Rationales for Using Mixed Methods Research Evolution of Mixed Methods Research Current Status of Mixed Methods Research Philosophical Foundation of Mixed Methods Research Methodological Characteristics of Mixed Methods Research Chapter 2: Introducing Action Research Definitions of Action Research Essentials Features of Action Research Example of an Action Research Study Conceptual Models of Action Research Methodological Characteristics of Action Research Chapter 3: Applying Mixed Methods in Action Research Connecting Mixed Methods and Action Research Advantages of Applying Mixed Methods in Action Research Application of Mixed Methods in Action Research Examples of Five MMAR Studies Part II: Designing and Conducting a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Chapter 4: Conceptualizing a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Steps in an MMAR Study Conceptualizing an MMAR Study Chapter 5: Designing a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Current Mixed Methods Design Typologies Typology of MMAR Study Designs Basic MMAR Study Designs Chapter 6: Planning Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Integration or Mixing of Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative MMAR Study Designs Developing Study Purpose and Research Questions for Reconnaissance and Evaluation Phases of an MMAR Study Visual Presentation of MMAR Study Procedures Examples of Visual Diagrams in MMAR Study Designs Chapter 7: Sampling and Collecting Data in a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Sampling in an MMAR Study Sampling Schemes for MMAR Study Designs Data Collection in an MMAR Study Chapter 8: Analyzing Data in a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Analyzing Quantitative Data in an MMAR Study Analyzing Qualitative Data in an MMAR Study Mixed Methods Data Analysis in an MMAR Study Chapter 9: Assessing Quality of a Mixed Methods Action Research Study Assessing Reliability and Validity of Quantitative Data and Their Interpretation in an MMAR Study Assessing Trustworthiness of Qualitative Data and Their Interpretation in an MMAR Study Addressing Quality Considerations Related to Action Research Assessing Quality in an MMAR Study Part III: Using Mixed Methods Inferences to Inform Community Action Chapter 10: Planning and Implementing Action Using Mixed Methods Action Research Study Inferences Using Meta-Inferences to Inform Action/Intervention in an MMAR Study Developing and Implementing Action/Intervention in an MMAR Study Evaluating and Monitoring Action/Intervention in an MMAR Study Disseminating MMAR Study Results Developing a Proposal for an MMAR Study

About the Author :
Nataliya Ivankova, PhD, MPH, is professor in the Department of Health Services Administration with a dual appointment in the School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is an applied methodologist working at the intersection of mixed methods, qualitative, community-based, and translational research. She has developed a methodological framework for a sequential quantitative to qualitative mixed methods design that was used in this study. She teaches courses in mixed methods and qualitative research, mentors doctoral students and junior faculty, and serves as a lead methodologist on funded projects. She also directs a graduate certificate program in Applications of Mixed Methods Research. She is a founding co-editor of the Mixed Methods Research Series with SAGE Publishing and is an associate editor for the Journal of Mixed Methods Research and a qualitative research editor for the American Journal of Health Behavior.

Review :
"This author has created what I believe to be a very important body of knowledge and has absolutely moved the topic in a manner that reflects current ways of thinking about research in the 21st century. The research applications presented in the textbook chapters help to make mixed method action research doable in areas that may not be reflected in previous thinking or past instructional methods for teaching research methodology." "The scope of the material covered is terrific and the examples are very useful… I believe that it would be of great use to anyone who is considering this type of design." "Hones in on the complexities, particularities, and needs of practitioner researchers doing action research…Clearly explains integration for each mixed method type in a way I have not seen before. Figures and boxes [are] once again very valuable, organized, and clear for practitioner-researchers."