Mixed Methods Research

Catalog description

Mixed method research introduces students to mixed-method research in the social sciences. Students should have some familiarity with research (quantitative and/or qualitative) and the epistemological and ontological underpinnings of the two methods as well as a basic understanding of their educational or social science research topic. This course completes the process of the proposal preparation expanding methodological and procedural techniques used in dissertation process. Specific objectives for this course include; (a) the history and language of mixed method research in education/social sciences; (b) summarization of current issues related to the paradigm wars and where mixed-methods research currently fits into education/social sciences; (c) advance understanding of research issued in educational/social sciences through discussions about paradigmatic compatibility, the current standing of mixed-methods in academic and political field, and the process and design of mixed-method studies;(d)proposal writing strategies including for mixed-methods research;(e)data sampling, collection and analysis strategies including for mixed method research;(f) reflections about the role of the researcher and their worldview in a mixed methods design. Although mixed-methods is an emerging dialog in education and social sciences, there are variety of sources available including keynote speeches, edited books, journal articles, editorials and seminal works from the leaders in the field cited in prominent mixed-method research publications. Supplemental articles and chapters will be provided depending on the students’ level of interest and needs. Students preparing their dissertation will have these available these resources when expanding their methodology and procedures sections of their study.