Mixed Methods Research

EDPS 936 Chapter 2 -- Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Mixed Methods Research

Today's Plan
!

Share our project ideas Considering foundations for mixed methods research
! ! !

What is a worldview? What are the different worldviews? How do worldviews form the foundations of mixed methods research? How are theories used?

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

What worldview stances relate to mixed methods research?

!

Important to be familiar with worldviews so you can

! !

Philosophical Foundations
!

Be aware of the assumptions and beliefs that form the foundations of your research Articulate the worldview for your study to committee members and in your dissertation Articulate your worldview stance in the report of your mixed methods project

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

Your worldview (paradigm) is one of many lenses you use in research

Paradigm worldview (beliefs, e.g., epistemology, ontology) Theoretical lens (e.g., feminist, racial, social science theories) Methodological approach (e.g., ethnography, experiment, triangulation design, mixed methods) Methods of data collection (e.g., interviews, checklists, instruments)
Adapted from Crotty M. The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. London: Sage, 1998.
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 5

What is a worldview (paradigm) for research?

! !

Your worldview is a basic set of beliefs and assumptions that guide your inquiries These assumptions include:
! ! ! ! !

the nature of reality (ontology), how we gain knowledge about what we know (epistemology), the role of values (axiology), the process of research (methodology), and the language of research (rhetoric)
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 6

What is your worldview for research?

!

What worldviews are used in research?

Postpositivism
Singular reality Distance & impartiality Unbiased Deductive, theory verification, work top down Empirical observation & measurement Formal presentation style

You prefer the quantitative worldview:

!

Constructivism
Multiple realities Closeness Biased Inductive, theory generation, work bottom up Understanding, multiple participant meanings Informal, literary style

you are the expert, you decide what needs to be learned, you build in objectivity

You prefer the qualitative worldview:

!

the participant is the expert, the participant helps you to build knowledge, you bring in personal bias and values

You prefer both the quantitative and qualitative worldview (pragmatism) Mixed methods research requires use of multiple worldviews
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 7

Advocacy/Participatory
Political reality Collaboration Biased and negotiated Participatory Empowerment issue-oriented Advocacy and change-provoking style

Pragmatism
Singular & multiple realities Practicality, use what works Multiple stances (biased & unbiased) Combining, pluralistic approaches Problem-centered, real-world practice Formal or informal style
8

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

What are the stances about worldviews and mixed methods research?
1. One paradigm fits mixed methods best
!

3. Worldviews relate to the type of design and may vary depending on the design type
!

Researcher may use an umbrella worldview:

Pragmatist Paradigm

! !

Pragmatism -- most popular in writings, emphasis on what works, pluralistic use of methods, research question has primary importance Transformative/emancipatory -- emphasis on theoretical lens Critical realism -- emphasis on systems

Qual Quan
!

merged

2. Can use multiple paradigms in a mixed methods study

!

Dialectical perspective - can use multiple paradigms, but be explicit and recognize tensions

Researcher may find that the worldview shifts:

Postpositivist Paradigm Constructivist Paradigm

3. Worldviews relate to the type of mixed methods design 4. Worldviews are shaped by research communities
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 9

" Quan Survey

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

" Qual Focus Groups

10

4. The community of scholars stance (Morgan, 2007; Denscombe, 2008)

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Shared community Shared set of research problems Shared practices Shared identity Information exchange Interpersonal networks Social acquisition of knowledge Informal groupings that transcend boundaries
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 11

Which stance fits your worldview?

! ! !

One paradigm fits mixed methods best Dialectical perspective: can use multiple paradigms Worldviews relate to the type of mixed methods design Worldviews are shaped by research communities

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

12

The lenses you use in research

Paradigm worldview (beliefs, e.g., epistemology, ontology) Theoretical lens (e.g., feminist, racial, social science theories)

Theoretical Foundations

Methodological approach (e.g., ethnography, experiment, triangulation design, mixed methods) Methods of data collection (e.g., interviews, checklists, instruments)
Adapted from Crotty M. The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. London: Sage, 1998.
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 14

Two types of theoretical lens

!

How can you incorporate a social science theory in a mixed methods study?
!

Social science theory

! !

Description of probable relationships among constructs E.g., leadership theory, economic theory, theory of behavioral change, theory of diffusion

Emancipatory theory
!

A theoretical stance in favor of underrepresented or marginalized groups E.g., feminist theory, racial or ethnic theory, sexual orientation theory, disability theory
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 15

! !

Place the theory (model or conceptual framework) at the beginning of the proposal/article as an a priori framework. Write about the theory by (1) advancing the name of the theory, (2) describing the major variables and relationships, (3) discussing studies that have used the theory, and (4) stating how the theory will inform the questions and procedures of the mixed methods study. Include a diagram of the theory. Have the theory provide a framework for both the quantitative and the qualitative data collection efforts.

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

16

How can you incorporate an emancipatory theoretical lens in your mixed methods study (Sweetman, Badiee, & Creswell, in press)?
! ! ! ! ! ! !

When can you incorporate an emancipatory theoretical lens while designing your mixed methods study?
!

Introduce the lens at the beginning of the study; Apply it when discussing the literature; Make it explicit in discussing the research problem; Write it into the research questions using emancipator, advocacy language; Collect data so as to not further marginalize the community; Position the researchers in the study; and Suggest a plan of action or change to end the study.

Mertens (2003):
! ! ! !

Defining the Problem and Searching the Literature Identifying the Research Design Identifying Data Sources and Selecting Participants Identifying or Constructing Data Collection Instruments and Methods Analyzing, Interpreting, Reporting, and Using Results

[See handout]

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

17

Creswell & Plano Clark (2007)

18

Activity
Let's examine two mixed methods studies that utilized an emancipatory theoretical lens

For Our Next Class

!

Readings: ! D&CMMR: Chapter 3 and Appendices A, B, C, and D

Applying the Ideas to Your Projects:

! !

Write a paragraph that describes the worldview you bring to your mixed methods project. Identify the social science and/or emancipatory theoretical lens that you will use in your study, review the relevant literature, and write a passage that discusses it.
Creswell & Plano Clark (2007) 20