Mixed methods for policy research and program evaluation Burch, Patricia

This practical text equips students, researchers, and policymakers in the social sciences with the tools they need for applying mixed methods in policy research and program evaluation, from design, through data collection, and dissemination. Emphasizing the “how-to”—the set of conceptual and active tasks carried out by mixed methods researchers—the book is illustrated with rich case studies from the authors’ own research projects in education and public policy. These examples help readers identify and explain policy and program impacts and better understand the “why” and “how” of observed effects. Throughout the book, the authors describe challenges that both beginners and advanced scholars are likely to encounter when doing mixed methods research and recommend practical tools available to address them.

Table of content:

Chapter 1: Introduction: The Demand for and Value of Fully Integrated Qualitative and Quantitative Research
The Role of Mixed Methods Research in Meeting the Demand for Evidenced-Based Policy and Practice
What Distinguishes This Book in the Mixed Methods Literature
Overview of Remaining Chapters
Recommendations for How to Use This Book
Chapter 2: Conceptualizing Mixed Methods Research
Introduction
Rationale and Conditions for Mixed Methods Research
Categorizing Mixed Methods Approaches
Overview of a Fully Integrated, Mixed Methods Research Effort
Discussion Questions
Applications to Your Own Work
Chapter 3: Designing and Implementing Fully Integrated Mixed Methods Research
Introduction
Integration in Research Objectives and Design
Integration in Instrumentation Design and Data Collection
Integration in Data Analysis and Interpretation of Findings
Integration in Dissemination of Research Findings
Discussion Questions
Applications to Your Own Work
Chapter 4: Practical Tools for Integrated Mixed Methods Studies of Policy Implementation
Introduction
Mixed Methods Integration Strategy #1: Bridging Research Instruments for Qualitative and Quantitative Integration
Mixed Methods Integration Strategy #2: Mixed Methods Coding and Analysis Memoing
Mixed Methods Integration Strategy #3: Adapted Monitoring Tool and Research Reviews
Mixed Methods Integration Strategy #4: Research-to-Practice Collaborative
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Applications to Your Own Work
Chapter 5: Fully Integrated Mixed Methods Research in K-12 and Higher Education in the United States
Introduction
Program Evaluation of Student Achievement Guarantee in Education
Racial and Ethnic Inequity in Access and Successful Student Outcomes in Higher Education
Challenges and Strategies for Addressing Challenges
Discussion Questions
Applications to Your Own Work
Chapter 6: An Application of Fully Integrated Mixed Methods in Program Development and Evaluation
Introduction
Program and Evaluation Motivation
Pilot Program Development for Child Support Debt Reduction
Demonstration Program Rollout and Early Evaluation Focus
Impact Evaluation Findings and Their Interpretation and Use
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Applications to Your Own Work
Chapter 7: Mixed Methods Research in an International Context
Introduction
Child Support Grant Impact Evaluation in South Africa
Qualitative-Quantitative Integration Process in the CSG Impact Evaluation
Benefits of a Tightly Integrated Qualitative-Quantitative Research Approach
Conclusion
Discussion Questions
Applications to Your Own Work
Chapter 8: On the Future of Fully Integrated Mixed Methods Research: Context and Common Lessons From the Cases for the Field
How Context Matters
Broader Lessons for the Field
Concluding Thoughts
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