An Introduction to Fully Integrated Mixed Methods Research

Dr. Elizabeth Creamer is Professor Emerita from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Mixed Methods Program Senior Visiting Scholar. Dr. Creamer’s innovative work has advanced methodology combining grounded theory and mixed methods. She is the author of the 2018 SAGE textbook An Introduction to Fully Integrated Mixed Methods Research, which builds a framework for the integration of qualitative and quantitative data and analytical procedures across all phases of the research process. She also is the Past President of the Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA), Co-Editor in Chief of Methods in Psychology and has authored the recently published book Advancing Grounded Theory with Mixed Methods (2021).

"Author Elizabeth G. Creamer provides an accessible, user-friendly text for graduate students and those new to the field of mixed methods. It aims to move the field to using fully integrated designs, and emphasizes the importance of the yield, particularly the meta-inferences, of mixed methods studies.  Case examples from a variety of fields bring these concepts to life throughout the text."

• List of Tables and FiguresPrefaceConceptual FrameworkPurposeAudienceDistinguishing FeaturesOrganization of the BookOrganization of Each ChapterTaking Advantage of the TextRelated AssignmentsAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorPART 1: FOUNDATIONAL ISSUESChapter 1: Definitional IssuesExample from Popular Media: Locating the Bones of Richard IIIPurposes and Goals of the ChapterDifferent Perspectives on the Definition of Mixed Methods ResearchThe Centrality of Mixing to the Definition of Mixed Methods ResearchDistinguishing Qualitative and Quantitative ApproachesQualitative and Quantitative Approaches as Different Analytical StrategiesConceptualizing Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches on a ContinuumMixed Methods as a Logic of InquiryEvaluation and Mixed MethodsConceptual Framework – Fully Integrated Mixed Methods ResearchThe Architectural Arch as a Metaphor"Mixed Up" MethodsControversies Involving Foundational IssuesSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivityRecommended ReadingChapter 2: Classifying the Purposes of Mixed Methods ResearchMixed Methods Research Featured in the Popular MediaPurpose, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterArguments for the Preeminence of Purpose in Distinguishing Mixed Methods StudiesAn Over-Riding Purpose of Mixing Compatible Methods: TriangulationTypologies for Categorizing Research Articles by PurposeEvolution of TypologiesAn Expanded Typology of PurposesDesign Features of the Major Categories of Purpose TypesPrevalence of the Use of Different Types of PurposesDesign Features of the Exemplary Publication (Durksen & Klassen, 2012)Mixing in the Chapter ExemplarValue-Added of Mixed Methods in the Chapter ExemplarSituations Where a Mixed Methods Approach May Not Be AppropriateConclusionsRecommendations for PracticeSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingChapter 3: Recognizing Paradigmatic AssumptionsPurpose, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterGoals of the ChapterDefining What is Meant by a ParadigmDiffering Viewpoints About the Relevance of ParadigmsKey Features of Paradigmatic Stances to Research That Are Compatible with Mixed MethodsPragmatismDialectical PluralismRealist and Critical Realist ParadigmTransformative-Emancipatory ParadigmGrounded Theory and Mixed Methods – Exemplary Publication (Gasson & Waters, 2013)Paradigmatic Assumptions that are Likely to Be Incompatible with Mixed MethodsBeing Reflexive About Your Own ParadigmControversies Associated with ParadigmsConclusionSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingChapter 4: Distinguishing Mixed Methods DesignsPurposes, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterTiming and Priority as Key Features That Distinguish Mixed Method DesignsA Classification System for Prototypical Mixed Method DesignsSummary About Design TypesPriority as a Key Feature of Mixed Method DesignsA Notation System that Incorporates Priority and TimingExplaining the Prevalence of a Quantitative PriorityMixed Methods Studies with Unequal PriorityMixed Methods Studies with a Qualitative PriorityDesign Features of the Exemplary PublicationDescribing Key Features of the Chapter ExemplarStrategies to Establish PriorityEqual Priority Mixed Methods StudiesConclusionsSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingPART 2: EXECUTING FULLY INTEGRATED MIXED METHODS RESEARCHChapter 5: Strategies for Mixing Prior to AnalysisExample from the Popular Media: The Blue ZonesPurposes, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterOrganization of the ChapterDesign Phase Mixing: Mixed Method Purpose Statements and Research QuestionsWording Research Questions to Reflect PriorityThree Approaches to Writing Mixed Method Research QuestionsMixing During SamplingCombining Probability and Purposeful SamplingTiming as a Way to Distinguish Mixed Method Sampling ApproachesUsing Identical or Nested SamplesExemplary Article: A Mixed Method Study of Using Social Media (Young & Jaganath, 2013)Five Types of Mixing in the Chapter ExemplarMethodological Transparency in the ExemplarConclusionSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingChapter 6: Mixed Method Analytical ProceduresReturning to the Metaphor of the Architectural ArchPurpose, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterMixed Method Analytical StrategiesExamples of the Use of Mixed Method Analytical StrategiesExample 1: Illustrating Data Transformation: Creamer and Ghoston (2012)Example 2: Illustration Four Mixed Methods Analytical Strategies: Jang, McDougall, Pollon, Herbert, and Russell (2008)Example 3: Illustrating Two Mixed Method Analytical Strategies: Elliott, Gale, Parsons, Kuh, and The HALCyon Study (2014)Mixing by Constructing Inferences and Meta-InferencesExamples of Meta-InferencesEmbedding Design Strategies that Promote Meaningful Meta-InferencesConclusionsSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingChapter 7: Data Transformation and other Strategies for Mixing During AnalysisPurpose, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterContributions of the ChapterOrganization of the ChapterQuantifying and Quantitizing Qualitative DataQuantifyingAttending to Sample SizeExamples of Quantifying and Quantitizing Qualitative DataExample One from Mazzola, Walker, Schockley, & Spector (2011): Quantifying two Qualitatively Derived Variables for Purposes of Demonstrating a RelationshipExample Two from Castro, Kellison, Boyd, & Kopak (2010): Demonstrating a Relationship between Qualitatively and Quantitatively Derived VariablesExample Three from Young and Jaganath (2013): Quantifying Qualitative Themes to Show Change over TimeExample Four from Odom et al. (2006): Quantifying Qualitative Themes to Distinguish GroupsQualitizing Numeric DataMixed Method Approaches to Case StudyPhilosophical Assumptions of Case Study that are Well-Suited to Mixed MethodsMixing by Linking Qualitative and Quantitative Data in a Case ReportAccomplishing Mixing through Sampling Procedures in Case Study ResearchExemplary Article: Mixed Methods Case Study Research by Cooper (2014)Mixing across Stages of the Research Process in the ExemplarConclusionsSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingPART 3: EVALUATING QUALITYChapter 8: Evaluating Quality in Mixed Methods Research PublicationsPurpose, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterOrganization of the ChapterChapter Exemplar: McMahon (2007) Study About the Endorsement of Rape Myths among College AthletesMixed Method Evaluation Rubric (MMER)Defining and Illustrating the Evaluation Criteria in the MMERCriterion # 1: Transparency Application to the ExemplarCriterion # 2: Amount of Mixing Application to the ExemplarCriterion # 3: Interpretive Comprehensiveness Application to the ExemplarCriterion # 4: Methodological Foundation Application to the ExemplarUsing Evaluation Criteria to Demonstrate a Link between Design and QualityChallenges and Future Uses of the MMERSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingChapter 9: Designing and Reporting a Fully Integrated Mixed Methods Research Proposal or Doctoral DissertationCommunicating PriorityPurpose, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterOrganization of the ChapterSituations When the Multi-Method Label is AppropriateIntentionality About Incorporating Design Features That Promote MixingDesigning a Mixed Methods Study in Ways that are Feasible for a Newcomer to Empirical ResearchChapter Exemplars that are the Most Feasible as Models for Doctoral ResearchMethods that are Adaptable to a Mixed Methods ApproachContent AnalysisOrganizing a Mixed Methods Research ManuscriptExtending the Quality of ReportingProcess-Oriented GraphicsIllustrating the Guidelines for Methodological Transparency with an ExemplarConclusionsSummary of Key PointsKey TermsRecommended ReadingPART 4: CONTROVERSIES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONSChapter 10: Controversies and Future DirectionsPurposes, Goals, and Contribution of the ChapterContribution of the ChapterOrganization of the ChapterLooking Back: Controversies about Mixed Methods ResearchEvidence About PrevalenceReframing Designs to Emphasize Mixing During AnalysisConceiving Mixed Priority DesignsInserting a Third Column: Visualizing Designs in Ways that Highlight MixingRe-Conceptualizing Priority in Terms of Inferences and Meta-InferencesApplying a Template to Visualize Meta-InferencesSummarizing Major ThemesLessons from the ExemplarsRefocusing the Logic of CombinationApplying the Mixed Methods LabelSummary of Key PointsKey TermsSupplemental ActivitiesRecommended ReadingAppendicesAppendix A: Summary of Key Points by ChapterAppendix B: List of Supplemental Activities by ChapterAppendix C: Blank Template for Article SummariesAppendix D: Templates for Chapter ExemplarsEndnoteGlossaryReferencesName IndexSubject Index