Mixed methods research is distinguished by the collection, analysis, and integration of insight from data collected through both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This interactive workshop will begin with an overview of foundational controversies that still permeate the methodological literature in this still emerging field. Within the context of published research about recruitment, retention, and achievement of students in engineering and other STEM fields in U.S. and European journals, evaluation criteria that apply to mixed methods research will be reviewed. Participants will engage in an activity that demonstrates the “value added” of mixed methods research by considering the insight that is generated in examples of ways that qualitative and quantitative have been “mixed” or integrated. Particular attention will be given to the process of transforming qualitative to quantitative data.

The objectives of the workshop:

1.     To acquaint audience members with the major distinguishing characteristics of mixed methods research and to distinguish it from multi-method research, using examples from STEM-related articles appearing in U.S. and European research journals.

2.     To identify on-going controversies about mixed methods research.

3.     To review generally agreed upon evaluation criteria for mixed methods research.

4.     To provide examples of different strategies that have been used to integrate or “mix” qualitative and quantitative data in mixed methods research.

5.     To use a hands-on activity to demonstrate the “value added” of mixing qualitative and quantitative data, including through “qualitizing” and “quantitizing.”

6.     To identify promising areas for future research that advances the methodological understanding of mixed methods research.

Denzin, N. K. (1978). The logic of naturalistic inquiry. In N. K. Denzin (Ed.), Sociological methods: A sourcebook. New York: Mc Graw Hill. Greene, J. C., & Caracelli, V. J. (2003). Making paradigmatic sense of mixed methods practice. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioral Research (91-109). Thousand Oaks, CA. SAGE. Sandelowski, M., Voils, C. I., & Knafl, G. (2009). On quantitizing. Journal of Mixed Methods Research , 3 (3), 208-222. Teddlie, C., & Tashakkori, A. (2003). Major issues and controversies in the use of mixed methods in the social and behavioral sciences. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social and Behavioral Research (pp. 3-50). Thousand Oaks, CA. SAGE. Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (Eds.). (2010). Mixed methods in social & behavioral research. Los Angeles, CA: Sage .