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Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
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Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
A Pragmatic Approach

A practical guide to designing mixed methods research in social science research courses; it goes beyond “how-to” and shows “why-to use”



June 2013 | 288 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Focusing on research designs for projects that collect both qualitative and quantitative data, this practical book discusses strategies for bringing qualitative and quantitative methods together so that their combined strengths accomplish more than is possible with a single method. The approach is broadly interdisciplinary, reflecting the interest in mixed methods research of social scientists from anthropology, communication, criminal justice, education, evaluation, nursing, organizational behavior, psychology, political science, public administration, public health, sociology, social work, and urban studies. In contrast to an “anything goes” approach or a naïve hope that “two methods are better than one,” the author argues that projects using mixed methods must pay even more attention to research design than single method approaches. The book’s practical emphasis on mixed methods makes it useful both to active researchers and to students who intend to pursue such a career.

 
Chapter 1. An Introduction and Overview
 
Chapter 2. Pragmatism as a Paradigm for Mixed Methods Research
 
Chapter 3. Research Design and Research Methods
 
Chapter 4. Motivations for Using Mixed Methods Research
 
Chapter 5. The Sequential Priorities Model
 
Chapter 6. Preliminary Qualitative Inputs in Quantitative Research Projects
 
Chapter 7. Preliminary Quantitative Inputs in Core Qualitative Research Projects
 
Chapter 8. Follow-up Qualitative Extensions in Quantitative Research Projects
 
Chapter 9. Follow-up Quantitative Extensions in Qualitative Research Projects
 
Chapter 10. Multipart Sequential Designs
 
Chapter 11. Finding the Expertise to Combine Multiple Methods
 
Chapter 12. Conclusions: Further Thoughts About Research Design

“Key strengths are clarity of presentation, functional focus, limited technical treatment, practical examples, compact length, emphasis on research design, and the chapter on Pragmatism, which is [a] great way around the paradigm debates that often color the use [of] mixed methods.”

D. Patrick Lenihan
Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago

“The research examples are very clear and will help students scope and develop their dissertation designs. . . . A second major strength is the emphasis on examples from program interventions and policy evaluation. This alone makes this text a good alternative textbook in program evaluation.”

A. Victor Ferreros
School of Public Policy and Administration, Walden University

“Figures are very clear, discussion of pragmatism is thorough, and the writing style is clear and accessible.”

Laura Meyer
Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver

This is a very good resource

Mrs Josephine D Morris
Interdiscipline, Winchester University
December 9, 2020

Mixed methods research is increasingly important in health and social care research and this book is a useful overview of the synthesis of quantitative and qualitative elements, both for research design and in arriving at conclusions from the data.

Professor Jackie Campbell
Centre for Health and Wellbeing Research, Northampton University
February 5, 2020

An excellent and well written book with easy to understand examples.

Mrs Suzanne Gough
Department of Physiotherapy, Manchester Metropolitan University
February 24, 2016

Pragmatic philosophy is growing in popularity as the 'what works' approach. This text is really useful for those that are considering mixed methods and the options and alternatives for mixing methods. Sequential mixing is covered with the variations and impact and consequences on research for each. Very useful as part of the defending process of research. Written simply with excellent illustrations/diagrams that are informative and make the text easy and enjoyable to read.

Mrs Julie donald
WBDL, Universityof Lincoln
January 5, 2016

This book is an easy to use and clearly written for early year’s researchers. I also feel this book is a good addition to the recommended reading to undergraduate students trying to understand how research and evidence based practice informs the health and life sciences.

Mrs Christina Dodds
Faculty of Health, Social Work & Educ, Northumbria University
February 16, 2016

This book is easy to read and clearly written for early year’s researchers and MA students, considering their research projects. I like the clear way in which you can find relevant information within the book. I recommend this to MA students in health and social sciences.

Mrs Christina Dodds
Faculty of Health, Social Work & Educ, Northumbria University
February 16, 2016

useful for postgraduate students

Dr Brian Nyatanga
Nursing , Worcester University
June 27, 2016
Key features
  • Leads readers through complex choices in an accessible and easy-to-understand way
  • Goes beyond “how to” use methods to emphasize “why to use” a specific method in a particular circumstance
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinary approach designed to complement methods textbooks across the social, behavioral, and health sciences
  • Features actual research examples to show students a wide variety of practical applications of mixed methods research design

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 3


This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.