A Mixed Methods Sampling Methodology for a Multisite Case Study

Abstract

The flexibility of mixed methods research strategies makes such approaches especially suitable for multisite case studies. Yet the utilization of mixed methods to select sites for these studies is rarely reported. The authors describe their pragmatic mixed methods approach to select a sample for their multisite mixed methods case study of a statewide education policy initiative in the United States. The authors designed a four-stage sequential mixed methods site selection strategy to select eight sites in order to capture the broader context of the research, as well as any contextual nuances that shape policy implementation. The authors anticipate that their experience would provide guidance to other mixed methods researchers seeking to maximize the rigor of their multisite case study sampling designs.

Creating and Supporting a Mixed Methods Health Services Research Team

“…Although some researchers (Hall and Howard ) suggest that a single researcher can conduct mixed methods research, most recognize how unlikely it is for a single researcher to possess sufficient methodological expertise to carry out a rigorous mixed methods study (Rallis and Rossman ; Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, and Turner ; Teddlie and Tashakkori ; Sharp et al. ; Torrance ; Youngs and Piggot‐Irvine ). Acknowledging the importance of team development and management, Creswell et al.…”

“…Sharp et al. () acknowledge the need to consider relationships among and between team members as well as the expertise they might contribute. How this might be done, and to what end, however, has not been elaborated.…”

“…Although published accounts of mixed methods research often acknowledge the significance of the team, they rarely provide insights into how that expertise is used in the research process, how the team functions, what challenges are encountered by the team, and how those challenges can be overcome (Sharp et al. ).…”

Using management procedure gaps to enhance e-learning implementation in Africa

“…specific setting (Sharp et al, 2012;Teddlie & Yu, 2007). Although this aspect of the research project focused on management, the following criteria were used in the selection of participants for the entire project:…”

Exploring experts' views and perspectives on the enhancement of Strategic Environmental Assessment in European small islands

“…These experts were identified through a nonprobabilistic purposive sample which allows the selection of participants based on specific criteria (Saunders et al, 2009;Sharp et al, 2012). The criteria used to find SEA experts in European small islands were: (i) collaboration in SEA processes of European small islands, (ii) inclusion as European Union Commission SEA National Experts 1 within small islands member states and member-states with small islands, and (iii) referenced by another expert in SEA from European small islands.…”