Mixed Methods

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Know and understand the integrated or complementary nature of the relationship between methods in mixed methods research designs in a range of disciplines in social and human sciences.
• Design a project combining different methods of analysis.
• Critically engage in seminar discussions on the use of mixed methods.
• Knowl and understand the strengths and weaknesses of using mixed methods in order to address research questions.
• Use NVivo software to analyse qualitative and quantitative data simultaneously.
• Know and understand the ethical and epistemological issues involved when using mixed methods.
• Critically evaluate the mixed methods used in examples of research.

The module will include lectures on: the theoretical foundations of mixed methods research; ethical and epistemological issues when applying mixed research methods; issues of sampling; the strengths of using mixed methods; and the weaknesses of using mixed methods to address research questions.

Teaching and learning methods

The module involves 6 one-hour lectures on the principles of using mixed methods; the ethical and epistemological issues arising from the use of mixed methods; issues of sampling; the strengths; and the weaknesses of using mixed methods. The lectures are followed by 6 one-hour tutorials, where students are invited to discuss issues or questions related to the lectures. In addition, a number of case studies using mixed methods to address a range of research questions will be audio-recorded and made accessible to students via Blackboard (each case study is expected to last approximately 60 minutes). The learning activities include lectures, which will also be audio-recorded and accessible on Blackboard, tutor-led tutorials discussing the lecture content, audio-recorded case studies, formative and summative assessment during the module, and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance or after each lecture and tutorials, in order to make the most of the sessions.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Edmonds, W.A. (2013). An applied reference guide to research designs: quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.. London: Sage Publications.

Alasuutari, P. et al (eds) (2008). The Sage Handbook of Social Research Methods. London: Sage Publications.

Hesse-Biber, S.N. (2010). Mixed methods research: merging theory with practice.. New York: Guildford Press.

Bergman, M.M. (2008). Advances in mixed methods research: theories and applications.. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Creswell, J.W. (2015). A concise introduction to mixed methods research. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External