Trends of Mixed-Methods Designs in Evaluation Studies From 2003 to 2011

• In Event: Roundtable Session 61
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Evaluation Tools and Trends

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify common uses of mixed methods in evaluation practice across a large set of peer-reviewed evaluation studies. To describe the utilization of mixed methods designs in evaluation practice, the authors conducted a content analysis on evaluation studies published in eight evaluation-focused journals for a 9-year period (2003-2011). Greene, Caracelli, and Graham’s (1989) conceptual framework of five purposes for using mixed methods designs was used to categorize the program evaluation studies. The results provide empirical evidence of the way mixed methods evaluation designs are used in practice. The use of mixed methods designs in evaluation studies will be discussed as well as the current state of evaluation practice relating to mixed methods evaluation designs.

Authors

• Susan T. Hibbard, Edison State College

• Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Sam Houston State University