Social Work Research and Mixed Methods: Stronger With a Quality Framework

• Published in: Research on social work practice Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 44 - 56
• Main Author: Foote, Lori A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2025; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Frame analysis; Mixed methods research; Research methodology; Researcher subject relations; Researchers; Social work; Social work research; mixed methods research; integration; mixed methods evaluation; social work; quality framework
• ISSN: 1049-7315; 1552-7581
• DOI: 10.1177/10497315231201157

Mixed methods are a useful approach chosen by many social work researchers. This article showcases a quality framework using social work examples as practical guidance for social work researchers. Combining methodological literature with practical social work examples, elements of a high-quality approach to mixed methods are showcased in this article. Specific components of a quality framework are used to ground the discussion. This framework helps researchers attend to important aspects of a mixed methods project's design, particularly as related to integration. Additional resources are provided for those interested in further deepening their mixed methods capabilities. Attending to components within this quality framework will help the researcher or consumer of research to think carefully about how the design helps to maximize the benefits that can be achieved by taking a mixed methods approach.