Introduction to Mixed Methods in Impact Evaluation
InterAction;Rockefeller Foundation (2012), 38 pp.
Contains 6 tables,6 figures, bibliogr. pp. 37-38
"Mixed methods (MM) evaluations seek to integrate social science disciplines with predominantly quantitative (QUANT) and predominantly qualitative (QUAL) approaches to theory, data collection, data analysis and interpretation. The purpose is to strengthen the reliability of data, validity of the findings and recommendations, and to broaden and deepen our understanding of the processes through which program outcomes and impacts are achieved, and how these are affected by the context within which the program is implemented. While mixed methods are now widely used in program evaluation, and evaluation RFPs frequently require their use, many evaluators do not utilize the full potential of the MM approach."
PART I. WHY MIXED METHODS? 3
What is a mixed methods impact evaluation design? -- The limitations of an exclusive reliance on QUANT or QUAL evaluation approaches -- The benefits of a mixed methods approach
PART II. THE MIXED METHODS APPROACH, 9
Four decisions for designing a mixed methods evaluation -- Applying MM approaches at each stage of the evaluation
PART III. APPLICATIONS OF MIXED METHODS DESIGNS, 19
Sampling strategies for QUANT and QUAL oriented MM evaluations -- Using mixed methods to evaluate complex interventions -- Assessing processes of behavioral change
PART IV. MANAGING MIXED METHODS EVALUATIONS, 27
Mixed methods designs require a special management approach -- Tips for resource constrained NGOs to mobilize the expertise and resources required to conduct mixed methods evaluations
PART V. CASE STUDIES ILLUSTRATING DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS OF MIXED METHODS DESIGNS, 32
What is a mixed methods impact evaluation design? -- The limitations of an exclusive reliance on QUANT or QUAL evaluation approaches -- The benefits of a mixed methods approach
PART II. THE MIXED METHODS APPROACH, 9
Four decisions for designing a mixed methods evaluation -- Applying MM approaches at each stage of the evaluation
PART III. APPLICATIONS OF MIXED METHODS DESIGNS, 19
Sampling strategies for QUANT and QUAL oriented MM evaluations -- Using mixed methods to evaluate complex interventions -- Assessing processes of behavioral change
PART IV. MANAGING MIXED METHODS EVALUATIONS, 27
Mixed methods designs require a special management approach -- Tips for resource constrained NGOs to mobilize the expertise and resources required to conduct mixed methods evaluations
PART V. CASE STUDIES ILLUSTRATING DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS OF MIXED METHODS DESIGNS, 32
