The focus of this two-day course is on primary mixed methods studies and programs of research. We will cover misconceptions about mixed methods research, key points of interface between “qualitative” and “quantitative” methods and data, and the problems posed by the qualitative/quantitative binary foundational to the “mix” in mixed methods. Also covered will be issues concerning and techniques for combining: purposeful and probability sampling frames; minimally structured and open-ended and highly structured and closed-ended data collection approaches; textual and statistical analysis strategies; and approaches for the integration of diverse data sets, including linking and assimilation techniques.
This course is appropriate for graduate students and faculty in the practice disciplines (e.g., clinical psychology, education, medicine, nursing, public health, social work) as well as researchers from other fields of study (e.g., sociology, anthropology). In addition to didactic instruction, handouts, and a suggested reference list, the course will include an interactive session where participants will have the opportunity, as time permits, to ask questions about their own mixed methods research projects.
