Moving Beyond Efficacy: Applying Mixed Methods Design for Conceptual Change Research

• In Event: 15.059 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: 15.059-2 - Using Multimethod and Mixed-Methods Research to Address Complex Educational Issues

Abstract

This experimental, convergent, parallel mixed methods study assessed the effectiveness of citations in refutation texts. The quantitative strand included 536 participants. Quantitative data sources included pre/post-text knowledge and attitude measure, Epistemic Beliefs Inventory, Need for Cognition Scale, credibility measure, and cognitive engagement item. Data were analyzed by ANCOVA/MANCOVA and multiple regression. Qualitative data included 9 participants' interviews, open-ended survey answers, and memos. Findings suggest experimental convergent parallel mixed methods design can be employed to give equal weight to quantitative and qualitative data, and is a feasible and powerful means to research educational psychology; researcher and research institution details unintentionally provides participants information; and collecting qualitative data detailing the process of participants comparing expository, refutation, and citation texts allows for greater insights.

Author

• Ashley R Vaughn, Miami University