Mixed Methods for Policy Research and Program Evaluation PDF Download

Author: Patricia Burch
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1506308570
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
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.

Author: Patricia Burch
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781483398259
Category : Evaluation research (Social action programs)
Languages : en
Pages : 211

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Book Description
The authors articulate an agenda for program and policy evaluation that is designed to ensure actionable evidence of the effectiveness of a program and its implementation is generated for all stakeholders. The examples they provide, while not minimizing the challenges of employing a mixed methods approach, will convince readers of the practicality and value of iteratively integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches throughout the entire evaluation process, from initial design through data integration and analysis to dissemination of research findings.--

Author: Patricia Burch
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483313077
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 233

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Book Description
Mixed Methods for Policy Research and Program Evaluation by Patricia Burch and Carolyn J. Heinrich 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.

Author: David Plowright
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1848601085
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
Using Mixed Methods offers an innovative approach to social and educational research. The author sets out the case for research from an holistic perspective, integrating different methods, different data and overall research strategies. This book shows how to use an integrated methodology that meets the needs of the postgraduate researcher who wants to challenge the traditional paradigmatic view of research. The author explores: - The FraIM and its application to social and educational research - The contexts of research - Different methods of data collection - Types of data and their natural integration within the research process This book is for final year undergraduate and postgraduate students on social science and education courses. David Plowright is a lecturer in the Centre for Educational Studies at the University of Hull.

Author: Joy A. Frechtling
Publisher: DIANE Publishing
ISBN: 0788174312
Category : Evaluation
Languages : en
Pages : 143

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Book Description
In the evaluation of the process and effectiveness of projects funded by the NSF's Directorate for Education, experienced evaluators have found that most often the best results are achieved through the use of mixed method evaluations combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. Aimed at users who need practical rather than technically sophisticated advice about evaluation methodology, this handbook includes an in-depth discussion of the collection and analysis of qualitative data and examines how qualitative techniques can be combined effectively with quantitative measures. Bibliography. Glossary. Worksheets.

Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1462503241
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 642

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Book Description
This engaging text takes an evenhanded approach to major theoretical paradigms in evaluation and builds a bridge from them to evaluation practice. Featuring helpful checklists, procedural steps, provocative questions that invite readers to explore their own theoretical assumptions, and practical exercises, the book provides concrete guidance for conducting large- and small-scale evaluations. Numerous sample studies—many with reflective commentary from the evaluators—reveal the process through which an evaluator incorporates a paradigm into an actual research project. The book shows how theory informs methodological choices (the specifics of planning, implementing, and using evaluations). It offers balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Useful pedagogical features include: *Examples of large- and small-scale evaluations from multiple disciplines. *Beginning-of-chapter reflection questions that set the stage for the material covered. *"Extending your thinking" questions and practical activities that help readers apply particular theoretical paradigms in their own evaluation projects. *Relevant Web links, including pathways to more details about sampling, data collection, and analysis. *Boxes offering a closer look at key evaluation concepts and additional studies. *Checklists for readers to determine if they have followed recommended practice. *A companion website with resources for further learning.

Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1593859856
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 417

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Book Description
From distinguished scholar Donna M. Mertens, this core book provides a framework for making methodological decisions and conducting research and evaluations that promote social justice. The transformative paradigm has emerged from - and guides - a broad range of social and behavioral science research projects with communities that have been pushed to the margins, such as ethnic, racial, and sexual minority group members and children and adults with disabilities. Mertens shows how to formulate research questions based on community needs, develop researcher-community partnerships grounded in trust and respect, and skillfully apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection strategies. Practical aspects of analyzing and reporting results are addressed, and numerous sample studies are presented. An ideal core book for graduate courses, or practitioner resource, the book includes: Commentary on the sample studies that explains what makes them transformative. Explanations of key concepts related to oppression, social justice, and the role of research and evaluation. Questions for Thought to stimulate critical self-reflection and discussion. Advance chapter organizers and chapter summaries. The book is intended for graduate students in psychology, education, social work, sociology, and nursing, as well as practicing researchers and program evaluators. It will serve as a core book or supplement in Research Methods, Program Evaluation, and Community Psychology courses.

Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1506330673
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 203

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Book Description
In Mixed Methods Design in Evaluation, the first volume of SAGE's Evaluation in Practice Series, best-selling author Donna M. Mertens explores the meaning of mixed methods evaluation, its evolution over the last few decades, and the dominant philosophical frameworks that are influencing thought and practice in the field today. Four chapters explore evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions, development of instruments, systematic reviews, and policy evaluations, while an additional chapter covers evaluation approaches often required in specific contexts including gender responsive evaluations, needs assessment, and evaluations in conflict zones. Practical in nature, the book guides readers’ thinking about the design of mixed methods evaluations through the use of illustrative examples and explanations for further applications.

Author: Charles Teddlie
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 0761930124
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 401

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Book Description
""The authors have successfully integrated a technical and well rounded discussion of the evolution of mixed methods research balanced with practical application examples of using mixed methods for the pragmatic researcher.""

Author: Leila C. Kahwati
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1506390196
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 234

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Book Description
Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation provides a user-friendly introduction for using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) as part of a mixed methods approach to research and evaluation. Offering practical, in-depth, and applied guidance for this unique analytic technique that is not provided in any current mixed methods textbook, the chapters of this guide skillfully build upon one another to walk researchers through the steps of QCA in logical order. To enhance and further reinforce learning, authors Leila C. Kahwati and Heather L. Kane provide supportive learning objectives, summaries, and exercises, as well as author-created datasets for use in R via the companion site. Qualitative Comparative Analysis in Mixed Methods Research and Evaluation is Volume 6 in SAGE’s Mixed Methods Research Series.