Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research

"The text is well conceived, well written and timely. It provides a sound bases for establishing mixed-method research as a rigorous approach for advanced graduate students, evaluators and researchers. I predict it will become a classic."A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A a??N. Dale Gentry, Professor and Dean Emeritus, University of Idaho "The most significant challenge today in social and behavioral research is how to combine qualitative and quantitative thinking in a way that helps us provide relevant insights and solve problems. This book takes an important step toward addressing this challenge." a??Carol A. Chapelle, Iowa State University Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research , spearheaded by John Creswell--the author of the best-selling Research Design (now in its Second Edition ), combines the latest thinking about mixed methods research designs with practical, step-by-step guidelines for the decisions that must be made in designing a mixed methods research study. "Mixed methods research" is defined as a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative data in a single case study or series of studies and is becoming more common in studies across the social, behavioral, and health sciences as well as education. The book offers advice tailored to negotiating the demands and issues that arise when designing a mixed methods project. The recommendations offered focus on how to keep the project manageable for the beginning researcher while still ensuring quality research. Key Features: Offers a practical, how-to guide for designing a mixed methods study Presents examples from actual, published mixed methods studies drawn across the social, behavioral, health, and education disciplines Incorporates activities and exercises for classroom use or for use by the researcher in preparing designs Contains a full glossary of terms for quick reference or as a study tool Illustrates designs using visual diagrams and flowcharts Goes through the entire research process (formulating questions, designing, collecting, interpreting, etc.) using four major types of mixed methods designs While much has been written about mixed methods from a conceptual and theoretical approach, this is the first book to deliver practical guidance about how to design a mixed method study. In additon, click here to learn about the Journal of Mixed Methods, the upcoming journal edited by John W. Creswell and Vicki L. Plano Clark.