Ebook: A Concise Introduction to Mixed Methods Research

Basic features of mixed methods research : Understanding mixed methods research ; What mixed methods is ; What mixed method is not ; Core characteristics of mixed methods : Collecting quantitative and qualitative data; Using rigorous methods; Integrating data; Using a framework -- Steps in designing a mixed methods study : The need for planning a study ; Steps in the process ; The working title ; The problem underlying the need for the study ; The intent or question to be answered ; The types of data collection and data analysis to be used ; Reasons for using mixed methods ; Specifying a worldview or theory ; Defining mixed methods ; Diagrams, procedures, and choice of design ; Potential methodological challenges and threats to validity ; A mixed methods study aim or purpose ; Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods questions ; Reorganizing the steps -- Skills needed to conduct mixed methods research : Requirements for conducting mixed methods ; Mixed methods teams ; Individual skills in research ; Skills in quantitative research ; Skills in qualitative research -- Basic and advanced mixed methods designs : Preliminary considerations ; Basic designs : The convergent design; The explanatory sequential design; The exploratory design ; Advanced designs : The intervention design ; The social justice design ; The multistage evaluation design ; How to choose a design -- How to draw a diagram of procedures : Definition of a diagram ; The use of diagrams ; Tools for drawing diagrams ; Notations for diagrams ; Essential elements in a diagram : Title; Vertical or horizontal orientation; SImplicity; Single page; Timeline ; Basic steps in drawing a diagram ; Visual models of diagrams by design ; Adding procedures and products in diagrams ; Drawing advanced designs diagrams -- Introducing a mixed methods study : The importance of a good introduction ; A script for writing a mixed methods introduction : The topic; The problem; The existing literature; Mixed methods deficiencies in the literature; The audience ; Writing a mixed methods purpose statement : "Best practice" study aims; A sample script ; Writing mixed methods research questions : Quantitative hypotheses or questions; Qualitative research questions; Mixed methods questions -- Sampling and integration issues : The issues of sampling and integration ; Sampling : Quantitative sampling; Qualitative sampling; Mixed methods sampling ; Integration : Types of integration ; How integration is represented in a mixed methods study -- Writing a mixed methods study for publication : Locating a suitable journal ; Criteria used to evaluate JMMR articles ; Two types of mixed methods articles; Empirical articles ; Structuring the empirical article to reflect the design : Convergent design structure; Explanatory sequential design structure; Exploratory sequential design structure; Intervention design structure; CBPR mixed methods structure ; A checklist of elements to include a publication -- Evaluating the quality of a mixed methods study : How criteria are being applied ; Should we have standards? ; Criteria I used as coeditor of JMMR ; JMMR criteria for empirical articles ; JMMR criteria for methodological/theoretical articles ; Standards available for mixed methods ; NIH recommendations for mixed methods -- The development and advancement of mixed methods : Scientific developments : Core characteristics; Terminology; The value of mixed methods; Advances in research design; Skills required for conducting mixed methods research ; Use of philosophy and theory; Mixed methods research question; Joint displays; Writing and publishing mixed methods studies; Standards of quality ; Mixes methods in the digital age.;This is a brief overview of mixed methods research that takes readers through the essential steps in planning and designing a study. Rather than offering an extensive treatment of mixed methods, this concise book offers individuals in the social, behavioral, and health sciences a foundation for understanding mixed methods methodology. Practical for use in workshops, seminars, global webinars, and as a supplementary text in undergraduate and graduate classes, Creswell's book is ideal for the beginner or the more advanced researcher looking for a quick primer in mixed methods, by an authoritative mixed methods scholar.