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Mixed Methods Research
A Guide to the Field



October 2015 | 368 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

This practical book introduces a unique socio-ecological framework for understanding the field of mixed methods research and its different perspectives. Based on the framework, it addresses basic questions including: What is the mixed methods research process? How is mixed methods research defined? Why is it used? What designs are available? How does mixed methods research intersect with other research approaches? What is mixed methods research quality? How is mixed methods shaped by personal, interpersonal, and social contexts? By focusing on the topics, perspectives, and debates occurring in the field of mixed methods research, the book helps students, scholars, and researchers identify, understand, and participate in these conversations to inform their own research practice.

 Mixed Methods Research is Volume 3 in the SAGE Mixed Methods Research Series. To learn more about each text in the series, please visit www.sagepub.com/mmrs

 
Part I: A Conceptual Framework for the Field of Mixed Methods Research
 
Chapter 1: Why a Guide to the Field of Mixed Methods Research? Introducing a Conceptual Framework of the Field
The Essence of Mixed Methods Research

 
The Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
The Need for a Guide for Navigating the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
The Socio-Ecological Framework for the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Application of the Socio-Ecological Framework to a Mixed Methods Study

 
Using the Socio-Ecological Framework to Guide This Book

 
 
Chapter 2: What Is the Core of Mixed Methods Research Practice? Introducing the Mixed Methods Research Process
The Role of the Mixed Methods Research Process in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About the Mixed Methods Research Process

 
Issues and Debates About the Mixed Methods Research Process

 
Applying the Mixed Methods Research Process in Research Practice

 
 
Part II: Methodological Content Considerations for Mixed Methods Research Practice
 
Chapter 3: What Is Mixed Methods Research? Considering How Mixed Methods Research Is Defined
The Role of Definitions in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Terminology Used to Name Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives for Defining Mixed Methods Research

 
Examples of Mixed Methods Research Definitions

 
Issues and Debates About Definitions

 
Applying Definitions in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Chapter 4: Why Use Mixed Methods Research? Identifying Rationales for Mixing Methods
The Role of Rationales in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Rationales for Mixed Methods Research

 
Examples of Rationales for Mixed Methods Research

 
Issues and Debates About Rationales

 
Applying Rationales in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Chapter 5: How to Use Mixed Methods Research? Understanding the Basic Mixed Methods Designs
The Role of Designs in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Designs for Mixed Methods Research

 
Basic Designs for Mixed Methods Research

 
Issues and Debates About the Mixed Methods Research Designs

 
Applying the Mixed Methods Research Designs in Research Practice

 
 
Chapter 6: How to Expand the Use of Mixed Methods Research? Intersecting Mixed Methods With Other Approaches
The Role of Advanced Applications of Designs in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Advanced Applications of Designs for Mixed Methods Research

 
Examples of Advanced Mixed Methods Designs

 
Issues and Debates About Intersecting Mixed Methods With Other Approaches

 
Applying Advanced Applications of Designs in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Chapter 7: How to Assess Mixed Methods Research? Considering Mixed Methods Research Quality
The Role of Quality in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Quality for Mixed Methods Research

 
Examples of Quality for Mixed Methods Research

 
Issues and Debates About Quality in Mixed Methods Research

 
Applying Quality in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Part III: Contexts That Shape Mixed Methods Research Practice
 
Chapter 8: How Do Personal Contexts Shape Mixed Methods? Considering Philosophical, Theoretical, and Experiential Foundations for Mixed Methods Research
The Role of Personal Contexts in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Personal Contexts for Mixed Methods Research

 
Stances About Personal Contexts for Mixed Methods Research

 
Issues and Debates About Personal Contexts and Mixed Methods Research

 
Applying Personal Contexts in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Chapter 9: How Do Interpersonal Contexts Shape Mixed Methods? Considering Interactions With Research Participants, Teams, and Reviewers in Mixed Methods Research
The Role of Interpersonal Contexts in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Interpersonal Contexts for Mixed Methods Research

 
Examples of Addressing Interpersonal Contexts in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
Issues and Debates About Interpersonal Contexts and Mixed Methods Research

 
Applying Interpersonal Contexts in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Chapter 10: How Do Social Contexts Shape Mixed Methods? Considering Institutional, Disciplinary, and Societal Influences on Mixed Methods Research
The Role of Social Contexts in the Field of Mixed Methods Research

 
Major Perspectives About Social Contexts for Mixed Methods Research

 
Considering the Status of Mixed Methods Research Within Social Contexts

 
Issues and Debates About Social Contexts and Mixed Methods Research

 
Applying Social Contexts in Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
 
Part IV: Concluding Thoughts
 
Chapter 11: Where Is Mixed Methods Research Headed? Applying the Field in Your Mixed Methods Research Practice
Utility of Our Socio-Ecological Framework to Guide Your Mixed Methods Research Practice

 
Applying the Framework: Understanding the Messiness of Mixed Methods Research

 
Applying the Framework: Implementing Your Mixed Methods Research Studies

 
Applying the Framework: Developing Your Expertise in Mixed Methods Research

 
Applying the Framework: Future Developments in Mixed Methods Research

 

Supplements

Student Study Site

The open-access Student Study Site includes EXCLUSIVE access to certain full-text SAGE journal articles that have been carefully selected for each chapter. Each article supports and expands on the concepts presented in the chapter. 

“[This text] provides an excellent starting point to engage in the field (and key debates) concerning mixed methods as practice and theory.”

Holly Thomas
Carleton University

“I love the perspective that this book takes. It embraces a broad view of the landscape of mixed methods research (MMR) and provides the reader with a ‘one-stop shop’ for operationalizing MMR. I believe it can serve as a ‘field guide’ to the broad and often confusing world of MMR.”

Theresa A. Beery
University of Cincinnati

“I appreciate seeing that the author(s) provided up-to-date and the most cutting-edge references on mixed methods for the reader to seek out, as needed.”

Daphne C. Watkins
University of Michigan

“I loved the tables and textboxes. They were full of so much information and very useful to reflect on as one reads the narrative.” 

Deborah Gioia
University of Maryland, Baltimore

"It is kind of refreshing to see this new theoretical perspective for MMR that goes beyond the acknowledgement that MMR fills a void in the field of methodology as following or being viewed only from the philosophical lens of pragmatism…Their content…represents yet another viable theoretical perspective beyond pragmatism"

Arturo Olivárez, Jr.
The University of Texas at El Paso

Great book, but more advanced than my year 2 UG module demands.
Denoted additional reading (for the keen students).

Professor ROSANNA COUSINS
Health Department, Liverpool Hope University
February 18, 2022

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 2

Chapter 10


Vicki L. Plano Clark

Vicki L. Plano Clark, Ph.D., is professor of research methods in the School of Education at the University of Cincinnati, U.S.A.  She is an applied research methodologist who studies, applies, teaches, mentors, consults, and writes about the adoption and use of mixed methods research. Her scholarship focuses on resolving methodological issues associated with mixed methods designs and understanding larger contexts that influence the application of mixed methods research. Her writings include Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (2018, coauthored with John W. Creswell) and Mixed Methods Research: A Guide to the... More About Author

Nataliya Ivankova

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... More About Author

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