Mixed Methods Research & Evaluation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

It is preferable to have completed the subject EDUC90848 Applied Research for Evaluation prior to commencment of this subject. In addition, students should have at least a working knowledge of either quantitative methods or qualitative methods to successfully engage with this subject.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of mixed methods research and evaluation. Topics that will be covered include: the emergence of mixed methods approaches; nature and purposes of mixed methods studies; choosing mixed methods designs; synthesis of mixed methods data; strengths and limitations of mixed methods research and evaluation projects. Practical aspects of the course will involve the design of a mixed methods study incorporating qualitative and quantitative data sources.

On completion of this subject it is expected that students should be able to:

• articulate the philosophical foundations and history of mixed methods research and evaluation;

• list the common purposes for using a mixed methods approach;

• identify and describe mixed methods design options;

• classify the main features and design choices of particular mixed methods studies;
• design basic mixed methods studies for specific situations; and
• characterise the benefits and challenges mixed methods studies in general and for specific studies.

There are three pieces of assessment:

• Written task of 1500 words due in Week 4 (30%);
• Written task of 3000 words due at the end of the course (40%);
• Class or forum participation throughout the semester (30%).

Creswell, J. & Plano Clark, V. (2010) Designing and conducting mixed methods research (2nd Ed). Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.