Innovation in Mixed Methods Research

Explaining both why and how to use mixed methods for discovering solutions to complex research problems, this guide gives readers the tools to adapt approaches to suit their own research conditions. Written in a warm, encouraging tone and packed with helpful diagrams and visual organizers, it provides an easy-to-follow map to the mixed methods process, covering everything from ‘what is mixed methods research?’ to framing, integrating, and describing a complexity-sensitive mixed methods approach.

Features include:

• Key questions to navigate the important concepts of each chapter
• Practice alerts to provide practical tips on working in the field
• Chapter check-ins to assess development of key skills
• Further reading to expand and deepen knowledge of mixed methods practices
• An annotated glossary to get to grips with foundational terms and revise for exams

Supported throughout by real-world examples and advice from the author and other mixed methods experts, this book helps readers succeed in their projects and think innovatively about the methods they use.

Chapters

Part I: Getting Started with Essential Foundations

Chapter 1: Embracing Complexity in Mixed Methods Research

• Purpose and Need for the Book
• Positioning Myself
• Defining Conditions of Complexity and Innovations for Practice
• Audiences for the Book
• Organization and Learning Features
• Selection of Six Featured Mixed Methods Studies

Chapter 2: Positioning Demand for Innovation in Complex Mixed Methods Research

• Why Use Mixed Methods Research?
• What Distinguishes Mixed Methods Research?
• Key Practice Dilemmas Under Highly Complex Conditions
• Demand for Innovations and Innovators in Mixed Methods Research
• Survey of Six Featured Mixed Methods Studies

Chapter 3: Advancing Integrative Thinking with Complexity in Mixed Methods Research

• Why Integrative Thinking with Complexity in Mixed Methods Research?
• Examples of Complex Adaptive Systems Under Study
• Opportunities Afforded by Complexity Science for Mixed Methods Researchers
• Indicators of Integrative Thinking with Complexity in Mixed Methods Research
• Indicators of Six Featured Mixed Methods Studies
• Guiding Practices for Integrative Thinking with Complexity in Mixed Methods Research

Part II: Realizing Innovation in Guiding Practices

Chapter 4: Diagnosing Complexity of Mixed Methods Research Conditions

• Why Diagnose Complexity of Mixed Methods Research Conditions?
• Diagnosing Opportunities and Hazards for Mixed Methods Researchers
• Guiding Procedures for Diagnosing Five Complexity Dimensions of Research Conditions
• Features that Engage Readers with Research Conditions
• Innovations in Diagnosing Complexity of Mixed Methods Research Conditions

Chapter 5: Framing Intentions of Complex Mixed Methods Research Problems

• Why Frame Intentions of Complex Mixed Methods Research Problems?
• Framing Opportunities and Hazards for Mixed Methods Researchers
• An Iterative Process for Framing Complex Mixed Methods Research Problems
• Features that Engage Readers with Complex Research Problems
• Innovations in Framing Complex Mixed Methods Research Problems

Chapter 6: Defining Systems of Complex Mixed Methods Research Contexts

• Why Define Systems of Complex Mixed Methods Research Contexts?
• Defining Opportunities and Hazards for Mixed Methods Researchers
• Relational Systems Approach to Defining Complex Mixed Methods Research Contexts
• Features that Engage Readers with Complex Research Contexts
• Innovations in Defining Complex Mixed Methods Research Contexts

Chapter 7: Describing Designs of Complex Mixed Methods Research Integrations

• Why Describe Designs of Complex Mixed Methods Research Integrations?
• Describing Opportunities and Hazards for Mixed Methods Researchers
• A Descriptive Design Approach for Complex Mixed Methods Research Integrations
• Features that Engage Readers with Complex Mixed Methods Research Integrations
• Innovations in Describing Complex Mixed Methods Research Integrations

Chapter 8: Developing Capacity for Complex Mixed Methods Research Interactions

• Why Develop Capacity in Complex Mixed Methods Research Interactions?
• Developing Opportunities and Hazards for Mixed Methods Researchers
• A Strategy for Developing Complex Mixed Methods Research Interactions
• Features that Engage Readers with Complex Mixed Methods Research Interactions
• Innovations in Developing Complex Mixed Methods Research Interactions

Chapter 9: Generating Evidence of Complex Mixed Methods Research Outcomes

• Why Generate Evidence of Complex Mixed Methods Research Outcomes?
• Generating Opportunities and Hazards for Mixed Methods Researchers
• A Generative Evidence Approach for Complex Mixed Methods Research Outcome
• Features that Engage Readers with Complex Mixed Methods Research Outcomes
• Innovations in Generating Evidence of Complex Mixed Methods Research Outcomes

Part III: Onward Considerations for Adaptive Practices

Chapter 10: Realizing Complexity-Sensitive Mixed Methods Research

• The Case for Complexity-Sensitive Mixed Methods Research
• Potential Challenges for Complexity-Sensitive Mixed Methods Researchers
• Some Final Guiding Words

Reviews

Big data and increasingly sophisticated research challenges mean that we can no longer rely on ‘off the shelf’ methodologies. This book is essential reading for anyone engaging in mixed methods work, offering a positive call to action and essential guidance.

Lorraine Sheridan

Psychology, Curtin University

Cogent, practical, and based on extensive experience—this book will be especially useful to researchers navigating the space between the ideal research designs they were taught and the realities on the ground.

Arden M. Morris

Surgery, Stanford University

Poth’s framing of complex mixed methods problems reflects the importance of visualising and mapping out complex situations in research. This book acts as a particularly useful tool for developing this key skill as a mixed method researcher.

Rebecca Johnson

Health Sciences, University of Warwick