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The Mixed Methods Research Workbook
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The Mixed Methods Research Workbook
Activities for Designing, Implementing, and Publishing Projects

  • Michael D. Fetters - Mixed Methods Program & Family Medicine, University of Michigan, USA


December 2019 | 312 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Written by Michael D. Fetters, one of the leading scholars in the field and co-editor of the Journal of Mixed Methods ResearchThe Mixed Methods Research Workbook: Activities for Designing, Implementing, and Publishing Projects is the perfect tool for doctoral students and researchers who want support throughout their research project, as well as a practical way to apply the knowledge they’ve learned. With The Mixed Methods Research Workbook, you’ll be ready to tackle your mixed methods research project with confidence. 

Each chapter follows a familiar framework, starting with learning objectives for each piece of the mixed methods process. Readers have ample space in this text to write notes, fill out activities, and begin their process of actively designing and writing up a mixed methods study. This easy-to follow process gives readers an immediate structure to their projects. Exemplar boxes provide a starting framework, with the text encouraging deeper reflection on mixed methods challenges and opportunities. Stories from the field illuminate struggles and suggestions with the benefit of hindsight. Checklists at the end of each chapter help readers stay organized and key resources provide up-to-date lists of material for further study.

From start to finish, readers can follow along with this text as they work on their projects. The text begins by assisting readers in identifying topics and conducting literature reviews in the context of mixed methods, zeroing in to address mixed-methods-specific challenges like integration, leveraging advantages of both qualitative and quantitative methods, and incorporating theory and personal backgrounds. Identifying data sources helps readers organize their data collection. Two chapters on research designs structure the data collection process with procedural diagrams. A unique chapter on mixed methods sampling offers application through basic and advanced designs. The book illustrates integrating and implementing mixed methods designs with practical advice for each of stage of the process. Ethics in a mixed methods context readies readers for the research protocol stage. Several chapters fully explicate the data analysis process, including developing a joint display, a state-of-the-art procedure for analysis and presentation of findings. Closing out the process, the text tackles quality and evaluation in mixed methods studies, preparing your study for publication, and writing up your article.

 
Series Editors’ Introduction
 
Preface
 
Chapter 1 • Identifying a Topic, Rationale, and Potential Feasibility Issues for Conducting a Mixed Methods Research or Evaluation Project
Learning Objectives

 
Mixed Methods Research in Context

 
Getting to Work

 
Brief Review of Key Elements of Qualitative Research

 
Brief Review of Key Elements of Quantitative Research

 
Brief Review of Key Elements of Mixed Methods Research

 
Feasibility Issues and Mixed Methods Research

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 2 • Getting Started: Identifying a Research Topic for a Mixed Methods Project
Learning Objectives

 
Identifying Your Research Topic

 
Translating Your “Idea” to “Ink”

 
Good Research Ideas Come From Stories

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 3 • Reviewing the Literature for a Mixed Methods Project
Learning Objectives

 
Purpose of Your Mixed Methods Research Literature Review

 
Understanding Different Types of Literature Reviews

 
Conducting a Focused Literature Review of Your Topic

 
Rightsizing the Literature Review

 
Identifying Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Studies

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 4 • Incorporating Personal Background, Theory, and Worldviews Into Mixed Methods Research
Learning Objectives

 
Introduction to the “Personal Contexts” Concept

 
Personal and Professional Experience

 
Theoretical and Conceptual Models

 
Philosophical Assumptions

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 5 • Developing the Background, Research Objectives, and Research Questions for a Mixed Methods Research Project
Learning Objectives

 
Developing the Background of Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Projects

 
Situating the Project in the Broader Literature of the Field

 
Developing a Working Title

 
Summarizing the Overarching Context

 
Identifying a Problem in the Literature

 
Creating General Research Goals/Objectives

 
Crafting Mixed Methods Research Questions

 
Refining the Title of the Mixed Methods Project

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 6 • Identifying Data Sources for a Mixed Methods Project
Learning Objectives

 
What Is a Data Sources Table?

 
Data Collection Procedures

 
Elements of a Data Sources Table

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 7 • Creating Procedural Diagrams of Core Mixed Methods Research Designs
Learning Objectives

 
Getting Started by Choosing a Mixed Methods Design

 
Spectrum of Fixed and Emergent Mixed Methods Research Designs

 
Three Core Mixed Methods Designs

 
Guidelines for Drawing Procedural Diagrams for Mixed Methods Studies

 
Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Research Design

 
Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Research Design

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 8 • Constructing Procedural Diagrams of Scaffolded Mixed Methods Designs That Expand Upon Core Designs
Learning Objectives

 
Mixed Methods Designs Beyond Core Designs

 
Scaffolded Mixed Methods Designs Defined

 
Steps for Creating a Scaffolded Procedural Diagram From the Beginning

 
Overview of Seven Workbox Illustrations

 
1. Fundamentals of a General Multistage Framework

 
2. Fundamentals of Mixed Methods Designs Integrated With Another Methodology

 
3. Fundamentals of Methods Designs Integrated With Other Designs

 
4. Fundamentals of Mixed Methods Designs Integrated With a Theoretical/Ideological Framework

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 9 • Integrating Through Sampling in Mixed Methods Research
Learning Objectives

 
Why Sampling Matters

 
How to Make Decisions About Sampling

 
Target Population

 
Sampling Timing

 
Sampling Relationships

 
Incorporating Timing and Sampling Relationships Into Specific Mixed Methods Research Designs

 
Quantitative and Qualitative Sampling Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Mixed Methods Design

 
Sampling in Quantitative Research

 
Sampling Strategies for Quantitative Data Collection in Mixed Methods Research

 
Sampling in Qualitative Research

 
Sampling Strategies for Qualitative Data Collection in Mixed Methods Research

 
Sampling Opportunities Arising From Organizational Roles and Functions

 
Sampling Opportunities Based on Geographic Location

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 10 • Identifying the Intent of Integration and Illustrating Integration Features in Mixed Methods Procedural Diagrams
Learning Objectives

 
Integration During Data Collection and Analysis

 
Integrating Data Collection Strategies Into Mixed Methods Studies

 
Integration Procedures in Two-Phase Data Collection and Analysis Used in Sequential Designs

 
Integration Procedures for Mixed Data Analysis

 
Integration Procedures for Adjunctive Data Collection in Mixed Methods Studies

 
Adding the Intent of Integration Into Mixed Methods Procedural Diagrams

 
Data Collection and Analysis Integration Strategies for Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Research Designs

 
Data Collection and Analysis Integration Strategies for Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Research Designs

 
Data Collection and Analysis Integration Strategies for Convergent Mixed Methods Research Designs

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 11 • Creating an Implementation Matrix for a Mixed Methods Study
Learning Objectives

 
What Is an Implementation Matrix?

 
How Can an Implementation Matrix Be Used?

 
Developing an Implementation Matrix

 
Creating a Mixed Methods Implementation Matrix

 
Steps for Creating an Implementation Matrix

 
Additional Elements That Can Be Added to an Implementation Matrix

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 12 • Ensuring Ethical Conduct of Research With Human Subjects and Developing a Mixed Methods Research Protocol
Learning Objectives

 
Why Is Compliance with Human Subjects Research Regulations Important?

 
Does the Study Qualify as Exempt From Regulatory Oversight?

 
Why Does Human Subjects Protection in Mixed Methods Research Matter?

 
What Are Potential Risks to Human Subjects Raised by Participation in a Mixed Methods Research Study?

 
Discussion of the Language of Human Subjects Versus Human Participants

 
What Are Potential Benefits of Participation in a Mixed Methods Research Study?

 
What Is a Mixed Methods Research Protocol?

 
Why Have a Mixed Methods Research Protocol?

 
How to Fill in the Research Protocol?

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 13 • Performing Fundamental Steps of Mixed Methods Data Analysis
Learning Objectives

 
Why Find Commonality Between Your Qualitative and Quantitative Data?

 
Seven Fundamental Steps in Mixed Methods Data Analysis

 
Step 1. Enter, Clean, and Address Gaps or Deficiencies in the Data Based on a Data Collection Inventory

 
Step 2. Frame the Analysis in Accordance With the Study Purpose

 
Step 3. Describe Patterns in the Data

 
Step 4. Use an Organizational Structure for Summarizing the Findings

 
Step 5. Check for Inconsistencies, Anomalies, or Conflicting Findings

 
Step 6. Organize the Findings for Dissemination

 
Step 7. Interpret and Articulate the Findings in Writing Up the Results

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 14 • Developing a Joint Display
Learning Objectives

 
What Is a Joint Display?

 
Joint Display Planning

 
Joint Display Analysis

 
Discovering Linkages Between the Qualitative and Quantitative Data for Joint Display Analysis

 
Steps for Creating a Joint Display Using Joint Display Analysis

 
Joint Display Innovations: A Circular Joint Display

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 15 • Applying Advanced Procedures in Mixed Data Analysis
Learning Objectives

 
What Are Advanced Mixed Methods Data Analysis Procedures?

 
Why Use Advanced Mixed Methods Data Analysis Procedures?

 
Determining the Need for Advanced Analysis Procedures

 
What Are the Different Types of Advanced Mixed Analysis Procedures?

 
1. Joint Display Analysis

 
2. Quantitizing—Data Transformation of Qualitative Data Into a Quantitative Form for an Integrated Analysis

 
3. Qualitizing—Data Transformation of Quantitative Data Into a Qualitative Format for an Integrated Analysis

 
4. Qualitative Comparative Analysis

 
5. Geographic Information System Mapping

 
6. Social Network Analysis

 
7. Repertory Grid Analysis

 
8. Imitation Game

 
Other Choices

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 16 • Ensuring Mixed Methods Research Integrity: Quality Considerations for Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Studies
Learning Objectives

 
Quality and Mixed Methods Research

 
Three Conceptualizations of Mixed Methods Quality

 
Mixed Methods Research Integrity

 
Consideration of the Research Quality Issues Relative to the Qualitative and Quantitative Research

 
Assessing for Threats to Quality in Qualitative Research: Trustworthiness

 
Assessing for Threats to Quality in Quantitative Research: Validity, Reliability, Generalizability, Reproducibility, and Replicability

 
Assessing for Threats to Quality in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Projects

 
Research Integrity: Quality Assessment in the Methods

 
Consideration of Research Integrity Issues From the Methodological Perspective: The Legitimation Framework

 
The Legitimation Perspective on Quality in the Methodology of Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Projects

 
A Program Approach to Mixed Methods Quality: O’Cathain’s Research and Evaluation Quality

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 17 • Preparing for Submission of Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Articles for Publication
Learning Objectives

 
Publishing Opportunities When Conducting Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Projects

 
Should I Write Empirical or Methodological Papers?

 
Conducting a Project Inventory for Publishing Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Studies

 
Selecting Target Journals for Submitting Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation Studies

 
Identifying Candidate Journals and Rating Them as Submission Destinations

 
Developing a Comprehensive Publication Plan

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Chapter 18 • Writing a Mixed Methods Article Using the Hourglass Design Model
Learning Objectives

 
What Are the Publication Formats for Mixed Methods Articles?

 
Recognizing Your Writing Strengths and Identifying Strategies to Write: Write Early and Write Often

 
Unique Features and Strategies for Writing a Mixed Methods Title

 
What Is the Hourglass Model of Writing?

 
Unique Features and Strategies for Writing a Mixed Methods Article or Chapter

 
Creating an Outline for Your Dissertation or Thesis

 
Application Activities

 
Concluding Thoughts

 
Key Resources

 
 
Appendix 1. Mixed Methods Research in Business Example
 
Appendix 2. Mixed Methods Research in Education Example
 
Appendix 3. Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences Example
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

“Mixed methods has become a popular research approach among our graduate students. Unlike any other methods textbook, Michael D. Fetters’ book, through workbook activities, provides our students excellent, straightforward, hands-on experience for designing, implementing, and publishing their projects.” 

Wenfan Yan, Ph.D.
Professor. University of Massachusetts – Boston

"Originally, I assigned this book as an optional resource in my mixed methods courses, but the students and I loved it so much that it's now here to stay! The Mixed Methods Research Workbook is a truly excellent source for newcomers and experienced mixed methods researchers alike!"   

Leia K. Cain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Evaluation, Statistics, and Methodology. University of Tennessee

“This workbook is an interesting and useful resource for scholars, graduate students, and individuals with an interest in mixed methods research. Various characteristics and problems of research are introduced through the chapters, which may be useful in the classroom context and the research process as well. Using understandable but professional language supports the reader in understanding the content of the book. I would suggest using it in university and doctoral courses as well as in the professional development of university lecturers.” 

Karolina Eszter Kovács PhD
Senior Lecturer. University of Debrecen Institute of Psychology

“This is an excellent resource and reference book by Michael D. Fetters (2020), The Mixed Methods Research Workbook. I will strongly recommend this book to academics, educators, clinicians, researchers, and students who are starting to embark on Mixed Methods research. As a lecturer in health education in higher education, I find this book a great addition to my reading list; it also provided me with some teaching ideas. It offers great and unique advantage in comparison to other textbooks in that it is also a workbook with several practical activities to work on.” 

Josephine Morris MSc in Rehab, PGDiP/PGCE BSc, MA LTHE, MCSP; PTRP & Prof Doctorate in Education Candidate
Senior Lecturer Physiotherapy. University of Winchester

As a doctoral student, I was struggling with trying to make sense of my dissertation project, which was a complex mixed methods research design and intersecting mixed methods research and social network analysis. It was so hard to make connections among multiple, moving pieces of my mixed methods research project and convince my audience (i.e., committee members). This book helped me be more thoughtful about designing and implementing my dissertation research project through its effective activities and critical and thought-provoking questions.   

This is the book that can help you break through your barriers to design, implement, and publish your culminating projects! I highly recommend benefiting from this beneficial resource that helps you organize your thoughts and your research project.   

Sinem Toraman
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

One of the most important components of carrying out a mixed methods research project is being able to clearly demonstrate the integration (the mixing of two approaches) as a unique piece that is a major contributing piece for the solution or understanding of a particular research problem or question. This integration goes beyond any one single approach and assists in delving deeper into complex phenomena that multiple approaches may not be able to examine. This textbook /workbook, through its new instructional way of presenting the concepts to novice researchers, permits for the correct implementation of such concepts by assisting the research to follow, minimally, required design steps in the process and carry them out correctly. 

Arturo Olivarez
The University of Texas at El Paso

The lessons are very detailed and the activities provided can easily be implemented in the class.

Dr Hazel Maree Brucal Juanillas
Management, University
July 23, 2024

I have really enjoyed reading this book and found it to include lots of helpful information for my learners

Mr Luke Jeffery
Health, St Vincent College
January 26, 2024

Its a perfect complement for the course with a lot of activities'

Dr Rafael Cruz Reyes
Business Administration, Universidad de Monterrey
October 16, 2023

as a principal reference source

Professor Hülya Bilgin
Department of Nursing, Istanbul University
September 16, 2022

For instructors

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