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Qualitatively-oriented Mixed Methods Research: Practical Strategies for Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Mixed methods research requires specialized integration skills that place qualitative and quantitative knowledge in a dynamic and deliberate conversation with each other yet also builds upon existing research skills in each realm. This course will engage discussions of perceived (and real) integration challenges when designing, executing, and disseminating mixed methods research.

We will consider four key questions:

  1. What does designing for integration in mixed methods research involve, including the role of theory, mixed sampling, and data phases?
  2. What integration-specific skills are needed to generate novel insights using a variety of data sources and data displays?
  3. How can we optimize descriptive evidence of integration and visual diagramming in proposals and publications?
  4. What recent advances in mixed methods research can be incorporated into proposals, practices, and manuscripts?

Knowledge of and experience with the issues raised in these questions will maximize the quality of your designs, feasibility of your procedures, and avenues for disseminating your completed mixed methods research.

Participants are encouraged to bring a study idea or preliminary draft of a proposal or paper that they can explore during the workshop.

Workshop content is derived from diverse sources, including Poth’s text: Innovation in Mixed Methods Research (2018, Sage) and Poth’s open access articles along with a suggested reference list that will be provided.:

  • Poth, C. & Shannon-Baker, P. (2022). State of the methods: Leveraging design possibilities of qualitatively oriented mixed methods research, International Journal of Qualitative Methodology, 21, https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221115302
  • Poth, C., Bulut, O., Aquilina, A., & Otto, S. J. G. (2021). Using data mining for rapid complex case study descriptions: Examples of public health briefings during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 15(3), 348-373. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15586898211013925
  • Poth, C., Molina-Azorin, J. F., & Fetters. M. D. (2022). Virtual special issue on “Design of mixed methods research: Past advancements, present conversations, and future possibilities,” Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 16(3), 274-280. https://doi.org/10.1177/15586898221110375
  • Poth, C. (2018). The contributions of mixed insights to advancing technology-enhanced formative assessments within higher education learning environments. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 15(9), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-018-0090-5