Pac Rim 2009 Info
Mixed Methods and Action Research Workshop—Thomas Christ
Tuesday, May 5th, 2009: 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM, Room 303A, Hawaii Convention Center
Mixed methods and action research are extremely popular research designs used in disability studies and the social sciences. Both methods prominently rely upon multiple forms of data collected, analyzed, and merged, yet these popular research methods also possess distinct differences, most apparent, in relation to the focus of the investigation, the purpose for conducting the research, paradigmatic stance, and the desire or applicability to generalize results. Although the topic and intent of the study often helps the researcher determine appropriate methods, distinguishing between and determining the most applicable methodology and procedures to choose can be challenging for those interested in conducting research. This three hour workshop highlights a variety of methodological skills that help to define, frame, and prepare those interested in conducting research. The workshop will emphasize the strengths and limitations of various research paradigms (worldviews) and how they can be logically mixed or integrated within a single exploratory or confirmatory topic. Special attention will be paid to the critical role of the researcher, disability theory, forms of validity and credibility, what can be done to generalize results, and specifics about data choice, collection, analysis, blending and integration. This workshop is designed for those interested in conducting research that can be disseminated to a broad audience including policy makers, practitioners, and funding agencies. The workshop will introduce the basics of mixed, action, and critical research and outline the differences between embedded, mixed, and integrated as well as advanced sequential and transformative research designs. This workshop will provide an overview of how to conduct action and mixed methods research and will reference key literature that will allow those interested in conducting these forms of research to successfully proceed. Unique to the workshop will be methodological diagramming strategies that act as decision making tools that define the processes of framing a research project, grant application, thesis, or dissertation proposal. The objective of the workshop will be to provide information for participants to define: (a) the purpose of the study; (b) intended audience; (c) the role of the researcher; (d) theory; (e) exploratory/confirmatory/and/or critical focus; (f) how the project is “bound”; (g) choice of data, how it will be analyzed, when the results will be integrated; and (h) how validity/credibility will be addressed. Extensive uses of diagrams will help the audience to understand key concepts while allowing participants to begin the process of framing their own research studies.
Presenter Biography: Thomas W. Christ
Thomas W. Christ Ph.D. is a research and evaluation specialist teaching mixed, action, and qualitative research methods to graduate students the University of Hawai‘i. His research interests include disability studies, international and multicultural research, postsecondary education, K-12 curricula, and evaluation. Thomas has published numerous peer reviewed articles in mixed methods, qualitative, and ethnographic journals and recently authored a textbook chapter about mixed methods research designs. Thomas has presented his unique mixed methods research at numerous international conferences including an invited presentation at Cambridge University in England.
