mixed methods in program evaluation presented by tom chapel thomas j. chapel, ma, mba...
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“Mixed Methods in Program Evaluation”
Presented by Tom Chapel
Thomas J. Chapel, MA, MBA [email protected] Evaluation Officer 404-639-2116Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Agenda
1. The why and how of mixed methods:
• Rationale
• Options
• Challenges
• Criteria for making choices
2. Apply points to some simple examples
Ensure use and share lessons learned
Gather credible evidence
Engage stakeholders
Describe the
program
Focus the evaluation
designJustify
conclusions
STEPS
StandardsUtility
FeasibilityProprietyAccuracy
CDC’s Evaluation Framework
The Standards apply especially when we’re trying to make data collection choices.
CDC’s Evaluation Standards
The Standards provide a quick and easy way to identify the 2 or 3 best data collection choices for this evaluation.
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
CDC’s Evaluation Framework
Not “Collect data”
Not “Analyze data”
Rather…
“Gather credible evidence”
Ensure use and share lessons learned
Gather credible evidence
Engage stakeholders
Describe the
program
Focus the evaluation
designJustify
conclusions
STEPS
StandardsUtility
FeasibilityProprietyAccuracy
Steps 1-3 Help You Focus Design And Data Collection Choices
After the first 3 steps of the Evaluation Framework, we know which evidence will work for these stakeholders in this situation.
Qualitative data?
Quantitative data?
Randomized control trials?
Performance measures?
CDC’s Evaluation Standards
The Evaluation Standards help us narrow down our data collection choices to the handful of methods that will work for this evaluation at this time.
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
Mixed Methods
Data collection methods that will work for this evaluation at this time sometimes means surveys or focus groups.
But sometimes there is no one best way.
The best choice would be a combination of methods or “mixed methods”.
Six (Most) Common Ways to Collect Data
● Surveys
● Interviews
● Focus Groups
● Document Review
● Observation
● Secondary Data
How Standards Inform the Choice of Methods
Consider the context :
• How soon do I need the results?
• What resources can I use?
• Are there any ethical issues to consider?
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
How Standards Inform the Choice of Methods
Also consider the content :
• Sensitivity of the issueStandards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
How Standards Inform the Choice of Methods
Also consider the content :
• “The Hawthorne Effect”
Will the act of being observed cause someone to distort their response?
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
How Standards Inform the Choice of Methods
Also consider the content :
• Validity
• Reliability
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
Standards
Utility
Feasibility
Propriety
Accuracy
Mixed Methods Address Concerns
Key Concept:
Regardless of the method, when there are validity and reliability concerns, often using more than one method-- i.e., mixed methods--will help.
Mixed Methods: Definition
“The combination of at least one qualitative and at least one quantitative component in a single research project or program.”
(Bergman 2008)
Use Complementary Methods
Mixed methods is:
A combination of methods that has complementary strengths and non-overlapping weaknesses.
The purpose is to supplement or complement the validity and reliability of the information.
Strengths of Quantitative Methods
Strengths of quantitative methods:
• Require less time than qualitative methods
• Cost less• Permit researcher control• Quantitative data is
considered to be “scientific”• Easier to explain validity and
reliability• Easily amenable to statistical
analyses
Strengths of Qualitative Methods
Choose qualitative methods when you are trying to:
• Explore or describe a phenomenon
Strengths of Qualitative Methods
Choose qualitative methods when you are trying to:
• Look for induction (i.e., “surprise”)
Strengths of Qualitative Methods
Choose qualitative methods when you are trying to:
• Identify patterns
Strengths of Qualitative Methods
Qualitative data can help you understand
not just “what” but “WHY”.
When to Use Mixed Methods
1. Corroboration• better understanding; more credibility• “triangulation” – measuring the same thing from
several different viewpoints
2. Clarification• trying to understand why we got this result
When to Use Mixed Methods
Mixed Methods are most commonly used for:
3. Explanation – similar to clarification• want to know the “why” or “what” behind the
situation
4. Exploration – similar to explanation• charting new territory• trying to observe patterns• examine different situations and varying
results to induce patterns
Number of Project Facets Reported via Each Data Collection Method
Source: Gregory Guest, PhD
Number of Project Facets Reported via Each Data Collection Method
This is an example of using a qualitative method (site visits) to corroborate a quantitative method (surveys).
The result was increased validity of the data.
Source: Gregory Guest, PhD
Which to Choose?
How do you choose which methods to use?
Which method comes first, the quantitative or the qualitative?
You have a lot of flexibility in these decisions.
Parallel or ConcurrentMixed Methods
For “parallel” or “concurrent” mixed methods,quantitative and qualitative data collection happen at the same time.
QUANTITATIVE
QUALITATIVE
SequentialMixed Methods
For “sequential” mixed methods, either quantitative or qualitative data collection can happen first.
QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE
QUANTITATIVEQUALITATIVE
OR
Example of Sequential Mixed Methods to Corroborate Data
In this case, the qualitative method (site visits) was used to corroborate the quantitative (survey) method and the results were different.
QUALITATIVE
QUANTITATIVE
Mixed Methods Is Your Choice
You are never required to use mixed methods.
However, you may choose to use mixed methods when:
• you have some indication that a single method may give you incorrect data.
• a single method may give you an incorrect perception of reality.
Mixing Methods During Data Analysis
Qualitative data (focus groups, observations, secondary data, etc.) can be converted to “numbers” via quantitative techniques like content analysis.
This is also a mixed method design approach.
Mixing Methods During Data Analysis
Qualitative data can be very complex.
Examining qualitative data with quantitative techniques helps to identify or validate patterns or themes.
Deciding When To UseMixed Methods and How
Key Concept:
Using mixed methods is a deliberate design decision. You use it when you don’t trust the data from any single method.
The reason for your uncertainty determines the methods you choose to mix and the order in which you use them.
Example 1
Problem or Purpose: Validity
• Do people give similar responses on surveys as well as in focus groups?
Example
• Survey (quantitative) and focus groups (qualitative) are conducted concurrently with similar participants.
Concurrent Design
Example 2
Problem or Purpose: Explain unexpected results•Use a qualitative method to explain “blindside” results from a quantitative method.
Example•Survey (quantitative) followed by focus groups (qualitative) to explain or to better understand what’s going on.
Explanatory Sequential Design
Example 3
Problem or Purpose: Verify suspected
patterns
• Explore potential patterns with a qualitative method and then verify the patterns with a quantitative follow-up.
Example
• Focus groups (qualitative) first, identify potential patterns, then do a survey (quantitative) to validate any patterns.
Exploratory Sequential Design
Design Options Summary
You mix quantitative and qualitative methods in a different order depending on the presenting problem:
Validate results
Design Options Summary
You mix quantitative and qualitative methods in a different order depending on the presenting problem:
Validate results Explain the unexpected
Design Options Summary
You mix quantitative and qualitative methods in a different order depending on the presenting problem:
Validate results Explain the unexpected Explore new themes
Selected Resources(Page 1 of 2)
Caracelli, V. and J. Greene (eds.). 1997. Advances in Mixed-Method Evaluation: The Challenges and Benefits of Integrating Diverse Paradigms. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Creswell, J. and V. Plano Clark. 2010. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research, 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage Publications.
Morse, J. and L. Niehaus. 2009. Mixed Method Design: Principles and Procedures. Walnut Creek, CA. Left Coast Press.
Selected Resources(Page 2 of 2)
Johnson, R. Burke, and L. Christensen. Evaluation Methods. 2008. www.southalabama.edu/coe/bset/johnson/
Plano Clark, V. and J. Creswell. 2008. The Mixed Methods Reader. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Teddlie, C. and Tashakkori, A. 2009. Foundations of Mixed Methods Research: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage Publications.
Recommended Resource
Creswell, J. and V. Plano Clark. 2010. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research, 2nd edition. Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage Publications.
The Community Tool Box
Community Tool Box http://ctb.ku.edu
Chapter 37, Section 5. Collecting and Analyzing Data
End “Mixed Methods”
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