A Concise Introduction

to Mixed Methods Research

John W. Creswell
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

USAGE
Los Angeles| London |New Delhi
Singapore|Washington DC
CONTENTS

Preface x
Purpose of the Book x
Audience xi
Features of a Concise Book xi
Chapters in the Book xi
Acknowledgments xiii
About the Author xiv

Chapter 1. Basic Features of Mixed Methods Research 1

Topics in the Chapter 1
Understanding Mixed Methods Research 1
What Mixed Methods Is 2
What Mixed Methods Is Not 2
Core Characteristics of Mixed Methods 3
Collecting Quantitative and Qualitative Data 4
Using Rigorous Methods 4
Integrating Data 6
Using a Framework 7
Recommendations From This Chapter 8
Additional Readings 9

Chapter 2. Steps in Designing a Mixed Methods Study 10

Topics in the Chapter 10
The Need for Planning a Study 10
Steps in the Process 11
The Working Tide 12
The Problem Underlying the Need for the Study 12
The Intent or Question to Be Answered 13
The Types of Data Collection and Data Analysis to Be Used 14
 Reasons for Using Mixed Methods 14
Specifying a Worldview or Theory 16
Defining Mixed Methods 18
Diagrams, Procedures, and Choice of Design 18
Potential Methodological Challenges and Threats to Validity 19
A Mixed Methods Study Aim or Purpose 20
Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Questions 20
Reorganizing the Steps 20
Recommendations From This Chapter 21
Additional Readings 21

Chapter 3. Skills Needed to Conduct Mixed Methods Research 23

Topics in the Chapter 23
Requirements for Conducting Mixed Methods 23
Mixed Methods Teams 25
Individual Skills in Research 26
Skills in Quantitative Research 27
Skills in Qualitative Research 29
Recommendations From This Chapter 33
Additional Readings 33

Chapter 4. Basic and Advanced Mixed Methods Designs 34

Topics in the Chapter 34
Preliminary Considerations 34
Basic Designs 35
The Convergent Design 35
The Explanatory Sequential Design 37
The Exploratory Sequential Design 39
Advanced Designs 41
The Intervention Design 42
The Social Justice Design 44
The Multistage Evaluation Design 46
How to Choose a Design 48
Recommendations From This Chapter 49
Additional Readings 50

Chapter 5. How to Draw'a Diagram of Procedures 51

Topics in the Chapter 51
Definition of a Diagram 51
 The Use of Diagrams 52
Tools for Drawing Diagrams 52
Notations for Diagrams 52
Essential Elements in a Diagram 53
Title 54
Vertical or Horizontal Orientation 54
Simplicity 54
Single Page 55
Timeline 55
Basic Steps in Drawing a Diagram 55
Visual Models of Diagrams by Design 55
Adding Procedures and Products in Diagrams 57
Drawing Advanced Designs Diagrams 59
Recommendations From This Chapter 61
Additional Readings 62

Chapter 6. Introducing a Mixed Methods Study 63

Topics in the Chapter 63
The Importance of a Good Introduction 63
A Script for Writing a Mixed Methods Introduction 64
The Topic 65
The Problem 65
The Existing Literature 65
Mixed Methods Deficiencies in the Literature 66
The Audience 66
Writing a Mixed Methods Purpose Statement 66
"Best Practices" Study Aims 67
A Sample Script 67
Writing Mixed Methods Research Questions 69
Quantitative Hypotheses or Questions 69
Qualitative Research Questions 70
Mixed Methods Questions 71
Recommendations From This Chapter 72
Additional Readings 73

Chapter 7. Sampling and Integration Issues 74

Topics in the Chapter 74
The Issues of Sampling and Integration 74
Sampling 75
 -

Quantitative Sampling 75
Qualitative Sampling 76
Mixed Methods Sampling 77
Integration 82
Types of Integration 82
How Integration Is Represented in a Mixed Methods Study 84
Recommendations From This Chapter 86
Additional Readings 87

Chapter 8. Writing a Mixed Methods Study for Publication 88

Topics in the Chapter 88
Locating a Suitable Journal 88
Criteria Used to Evaluate JMMR Articles 89
Two Types of Mixed Methods Articles 90
Methodological Articles • 90
Empirical Articles 91
Structuring the Empirical Article to Reflect the Design 93
Convergent Design Structure 94
Explanatory Sequential Design Structure 94
Exploratory Sequential Design Structure 95
Intervention Design Structure 95
CBPR Mixed Methods Design Structure 96
A Checklist of Elements to Include in a Publication 96
Recommendations From This Chapter 96
Additional Readings 97

Chapter 9- Evaluating the Quality of a Mixed Methods Study 99

Topics in the Chapter 99
How Criteria Are Being Applied 99
Should We Have Standards? 100
Criteria I Used as Coeditor of JMMR 102
JMMR Criteria for Empirical Articles 103
JMMR Criteria for Methodological/Theoretical Articles 104
Standards Available for Mixed Methods 104
NIH Recommendations for "Best Practices" 105
Recommendations From This Chapter 108
Additional Readings 109

\
Chapter 10. The Development and
Advancement of Mixed Methods 110
Topics in the Chapter . 110
Scientific Developments 110
Core Characteristics 111
Terminology 111
The Value of Mixed Methods 112
Advances in Research Designs 112
Skills Required for Conducting Mixed Methods Research 113
Use of Philosophy and Theory 113
Mixed Methods Research Question 114
Joint Displays 114
Writing and Publishing Mixed Methods Studies 115
Standards of Quality 116
Mixed Methods in the Digital Age 116
Recommendations From This Chapter 117
Additional Readings 117

References 119
Glossary 122
Index 127