Multilevel Mixed-Methods Research Designs: A Refined Definition With Quality Criteria

• In Event: 41.064 - Advancing the Methodology of Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

Although educational research is a decidedly multilevel endeavor, discussions about multilevel issues are limited in contemporary handbooks written by leading mixed methods research methodologists. This methodological paper proposes a comprehensive and practical reconceptualization of multilevel mixed methods research designs. The discussion includes an analysis of an existing definition of a multilevel mixed methods research design variant as well as a critical review of qualitative and quantitative conceptualizations of multilevel research designs. Ultimately, the refined definition of a multilevel mixed methods research design specifies quality criteria for conducting and assessing multilevel mixed methods studies. To illustrate, the criteria are applied to a within-person multilevel study designed to explain cultural, behavioral, and neurobiological aspects of symbolic mathematics language literacy among adolescents.

Authors

• Marcia Gail Headley, University of Delaware

• Laura E. Kelley, University of Cincinnati

• Lori Foote, University of Cincinnati