Chapter Three Expanding the Qualitative Paradigm: Mixed Methods, Action, Critical, and Arts-Based Research

Four Newer Forms of QR Mixed methods research: makes use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods Action research studies: more often employ only qualitative methods, but sometimes incorporate Likert scale surveys or other quantitative components Critical research studies: intended to examine and hopefully challenge power relations Arts-based approaches to qualitative research

What is Mixed Methods Research? [A]n approach to research in the social, behavioral, and health sciences in which the investigator gathers both quantitative (closed-ended) and qualitative (open-ended) data, integrates the two and then draws interpretations based on the combined strengths of both sets of data to understand research problems. --Creswell (2015)

Models of Mixed-Methods Research Convergent: qualitative and quantitative data are collected simultaneously; both data sets are analyzed and the results are compared. Explanatory sequential: quantitative data are collected before qualitative data, which is used to explain results in more depth. Exploratory mixed methods: Qualitative data are used to explore and define the topic in order to create a survey instrument to gather data from a larger sample.

Principles of Action Research It is focused on the improvement of a problematic situation in practice. The design of the study is emergent, with four phases: planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Researchers engage participants as co-investigators. The lead researcher may be either an insider, an outsider, or a configuration of the two that may emerge over time. Multiple forms of data are collected and analyzed in a systematic way as the research process unfolds.

Types of Action Research 1. Technical action research guided by an interest in improving control over outcomes; 2. Practical action research guided by an interest in educating or enlightening practitioners or oganizations so they can act more wisely Critical action research guided by an interest in emancipating people and groups from irrationality, unsustainability and injustice. --Kemmis, McTaggert, and Nixon (2014)

Goals and Types of Critical Research Goal: To critique, challenge, transform, and analyze power relations, and through that critique effect change in the status quo. Types: Critical theory--social class Critical race research--race Feminist--gender Queer--sexual orientation Postcolonial--colonial relations Postmodern/poststructural-- the context of how power relations among groups rather than individuals

The Researcher’s Positionality and Reflexivity in Critical Research Insider vs. outsider: Status vis-à-vis participants. Positionality: Race, gender, social class background, and sexual orientation, particularly with respect to the study purposes. Reflexivity: Awareness of the dialectic between the influence the researcher has on what is being studied and, simultaneously, how the research process affects the researcher.

Arts-Based Research Participants make meaning via visual art, symbol, theatre-based art, photography, music, dance, story, or poetry. Goes “beyond words” to incorporates creative expression into qualitative research efforts. Neither the researcher nor the participants need to identify as an artist. One can make meaning in new and even deeper ways when using arts-based forms of expression, possibly because doing so uses a different part of the brain.

Uses of Arts-Based Research Data collection: artwork used to elicit how participants make meaning Presentation of findings: participants create visual or verbal imagery or performance. Studies of artists or of the processes of creating and/or presenting some form of art. Auto-ethnographies: the researcher examines aspects of his or her cultural identity through engagement in one or more of the arts. Participatory action research studies