scholarly journals Spatial Tools for Case Selection: Using LISA Statistics to Design Mixed-Methods Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 747-763
Author(s):  
Matthew C Ingram ◽  
Imke Harbers
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Spatial Autocorrelation ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Omitted Variables ◽  
Selection Strategies ◽  
Case Selection ◽  
The Social ◽  
Level Of Analysis

AbstractMixed-methods designs, especially those in which case selection is regression-based, have become popular across the social sciences. In this paper, we highlight why tools from spatial analysis—which have largely been overlooked in the mixed-methods literature—can be used for case selection and be particularly fruitful for theory development. We discuss two tools for integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis: (1) spatial autocorrelation in the outcome of interest; and (2) spatial autocorrelation in the residuals of a regression model. The case selection strategies presented here enable scholars to systematically use geography to learn more about their data and select cases that help identify scope conditions, evaluate the appropriate unit or level of analysis, examine causal mechanisms, and uncover previously omitted variables.

Mixed Methods

2021 ◽  
pp. 169-174
Author(s):  
Manfredi Valeriani ◽  
Vicki L. Plano Clark
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Central Idea ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Status ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

This chapter examines mixed-methods research, which is an approach that involves the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods at one or more stages of a research study. The central idea behind mixed-methods research is that the intentional combination of numeric-based methods with narrative-based methods can best provide answers to some research questions. The ongoing attempts to construct a simple and common conceptualization of mixed-methods provide a good indicator of the status of mixed-methods itself. mixed-methods research has emerged as a formalized methodology well suited to addressing complex problems, and is currently applied throughout the social sciences and beyond. Nowadays, researchers interested in combining quantitative and qualitative methods can benefit from the growing knowledge about the epistemological foundations, essential considerations, and rigorous designs that have been advanced for mixed-methods research.

scholarly journals The Comparative Method in Practice: Case Selection and the Social Science of Revolution

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 533-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin J. Beck
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Selection Strategies ◽  
Case Methodology ◽  
Case Selection ◽  
The Social ◽  
Comparative Methodology ◽  
Methodological Practice ◽  
Over Time

Formalization of comparative case methodology has given the appearance of growing consensus and cross-disciplinary acceptance around a set of best practices. Yet how researchers use a method may differ widely from what methodologists believe, which is the crux of institutionalization of a method. This study examines whether comparative methodology has, in fact, institutionalized within the social sciences using evidence from the entire corpus of comparative studies of revolution published from 1970 to 2009. Content analysis of methods of case selection within the revolution subfield reveals a wide diversity of strategies with only modest methodological awareness by practitioners, a lack of consensus among which case selection strategies to use, and little convergence over time. Thus, the comparative method has not yet institutionalized in its practice. Methodological practice has implications for the coverage of cases of revolution and what is substantively known about the phenomenon.

Mixed Methods Research in the Study of Political and Social Violence and Conflict

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai M. Thaler
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Social Reality ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Violence ◽  
The Social

The study of political and social violence and conflict has expanded in recent decades, concurrent with a rise in the use of mixed methods research (MMR) throughout the social sciences. This article examines how methods are best integrated in studies of violence and conflict, critically reviewing examples from previous prominent works and suggesting directions for future research. I explore the benefits of MMR for understanding structures, agency, and processes related to violence and conflict, and the opportunity MMR offers to influence a broader academic and policy audience. MMR can improve the accordance of theories and empirical studies with the complexities of social reality and enhance understanding of the causes, consequences, and potential remedies of violence and conflict.

scholarly journals The Comparative Method in Practice: Case Selection and the Social Science of Revolution

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin J Beck
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Selection Strategies ◽  
Case Methodology ◽  
Case Selection ◽  
The Social ◽  
Comparative Methodology ◽  
Methodological Practice ◽  
Over Time

Formalization of comparative case methodology has given the appearance of growing consensus and cross-disciplinary acceptance around a set of best practices. Yet how researchers actually use a method may differ widely from what methodologists believe, which is the crux of institutionalization of a method. This study examines whether comparative methodology has, in fact, institutionalized within the social sciences using evidence from the entire corpus of comparative studies of revolution published from 1970 to 2009. Content analysis of methods of case selection within the revolution subfield reveals a wide diversity of strategies with only modest methodological awareness by practitioners, a lack of consensus among which case selection strategies to use, and little convergence over time. Thus, the comparative method has not yet institutionalized in its practice. Methodological practice has implications for the coverage of cases of revolution and what is substantively known about the phenomenon.

Exploring the Relevance of Complexity Theory for Mixed Methods Research

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne M. Kallemeyn ◽  
Jori N. Hall ◽  
Emily Gates
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
The Social ◽  
Complex Phenomena ◽  
Complex Methods

While the field of mixed methods has discussed complexity theory, more clarification regarding its conceptualization is needed. Accordingly, we first review how various fields have interpreted and applied the central ideas of complexity theory in the social sciences. We then analyze two empirical studies that used complexity theory and mixed methods. We highlight how both studies examined complex systems, used elements of complexity theory as their theoretical framework, and used complexity–congruent methodologies and methods. To conclude, we offer conceptual and methodological implications for using complexity theory for mixed methods research. We view the clarification provided an important contribution to the field of mixed methods as it assists researchers in studying complex systems, theorizing complex phenomena, and using complex methods.

Mixed Methods in Early Childhood Special Education Research: Purposes, Challenges, and Guidance

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-30
Author(s):  
Catherine Corr ◽  
Melinda R. Snodgrass ◽  
Jennifer C. Greene ◽  
Hedda Meadan ◽  
Rosa Milagros Santos
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Special Education ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Education Research ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mental Models ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Early Childhood Special Education ◽  
The Social

Mixed methods approaches to research are gaining popularity in the social sciences. Although these approaches may be unfamiliar to many in our field, they can uniquely contribute to and enhance early childhood special education (ECSE) research. The purpose of this article is to orient ECSE researchers to the field of mixed methods social inquiry. We offer two examples of mixed methods. We define mixed methods and how mental models and paradigms influence these efforts, including a discussion of the distinctive purposes for applying mixed methods. Finally, we identify challenges to determining rigor and quality of mixed methods research and offer preliminary guidance to mitigate these challenges. Throughout, we encourage integrating rigorous mixed methods into ECSE scholarship.

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