Session: Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Studies (Society for Social Work and Research 15th Annual Conference: Emerging Horizons for Social Work Research)

Many social work researchers with backgrounds in either qualitative or quantitative research methods increasingly seek opportunities for mixed designs that capitalize on the strengths of each type. The goal of this workshop is to provide knowledge and skills that will enable participants to design their own mixed methods projects. We will overview the process of doing mixed methods from conceptualization of the project to the final stages of writing up findings, covering such issues as: • Why select a mixed methods design? • Which designs are appropriate for which kinds of research questions? • How to select an appropriate publication venue for presenting your mixed methods project We will also detail several examples from our own work that involved using different mixed methods designs. Time will be allotted to question and answer/discussion, so participants are encouraged to bring design and data analysis examples and questions from their own research.