Mixed Methods Research: Merging Theory with Practice

This accessibly written book is ideal for use in graduate courses or by practicing researchers and evaluators. The author puts the research problem at center stage, showing how mixed methods designs can fruitfully address different types of research questions. She illustrates the discussion with examples of mixed methods studies from a variety of disciplines and qualitative approaches (interpretive, feminist, and postmodern). The text demonstrates how to navigate ethical issues; gather, analyze, and interpret data; and write up the results, including an in-depth example with step-by-step commentary. Special features include "researcher standpoint" reflections from leading scholars and practical strategies to help users develop their own research perspectives. Every chapter concludes with a glossary, discussion questions, and useful Web resources. This book will appeal to graduate students, researchers, and evaluators in education, sociology, psychology, management, nursing, social work, and communications. It will serve as a primary or supplemental text in graduate-level courses such as Mixed or Multiple Methods, Research Design, Qualitative Research, and Evaluation.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction to Mixed Methods Research 2. Formulating Questions, Conducting a Literature Review, Sampling Design, and the Centrality of Ethics in Mixed Methods Research 3. A Qualitative Approach to Mixed Methods Design, Analysis, Interpretation, Write Up, and Validity 4. Interpretative Approaches to Mixed Methods Research 5. Feminist Approaches to Mixed Methods Research 6. Postmodernist Approaches to Mixed Methods Research, with Chris Kelly 7. Putting It Together: Qualitative Approaches to Mixed Methods Research Praxis 8. Conclusion: The Prospects and Challenges of Mixed Methods Praxis

About the Author :
Sharlene Nagy Hesse-Biber, Department of Sociology, Boston College, USA

Review :
"Four of the most serious problems in the social sciences are the fragmentation of research methods, the use of conventional methods for convenience, the lack of knowledge of qualitative methods, and naivete regarding alternative philosophical frameworks. This book directly and competently addresses all four problems. It will help students and seasoned researchers learn to tailor methods to their research problems with sophisticated qualitative skills and philosophical perspective." -- Frederick J. Wertz, Department of Psychology, Fordham University, USA "It is loaded with case examples and is written clearly for a graduate student audience. The treatment of ethics in mixed methods work is commendable." -- Kai A. Schafft, Department of Education Policy Studies, Penn State University, USA