Balancing Breadth and Depth: Using Mixed Methods in Scale Development Research

• In Event: Student Voice Research Symposium: Theory, Methods, and Innovations From the Field

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. This study aimed to blend qualitative and quantitative methods to capture student voice at scale—the level of the school. Specifically, the purpose of my study was to develop and validate three scales that measure the degree to which a school builds student leadership capacity. Using the Student Voice Research Framework, this chapter unpacks the research approaches, methods, and difficult decisions that occurred during the study.

FRAMEWORKS, METHODS, & DATA SOURCES. This mixed methods study involved survey validation including open-ended questions, focus groups, and individual interviews. The study surveyed 280 students from nine U.S. high schools, both urban and rural settings, including a large percentage of multilingual learners and students racialized as Black or Brown. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in a personal, interpersonal, organizational, and overall scale for building student leadership capacity. The scales included eight mechanisms that schools can use to enhance student leadership: pedagogy, relationships, radical collegiality, governance structure, research, group makeup, consistency, and recognition. The scale items also reflected three leadership competencies: critical awareness, inclusivity, and positivity.

RESULTS & SIGNIFICANCE. Scale development and mixed methods more broadly have the opportunity to engage students across a representative variety of identities, geographies, and educational experiences and at the same time deepen our understanding of the experiences of individual students. Choosing to use an emancipatory lens helps us, as researchers and educators, center the voices and leadership of students who have historically not been given opportunities to share their stories or lead change in the name of justice.

Author

• Lindsay Lyons, Self-employed
  Presenting Author