Mixed methods research

Livingston, Wulf, Buykx, Penny, Neale, Joanne and Bruland Selseng, Lillian (2025) Mixed methods research. In: Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work. Sociology, Social Policy and Education 2025 . Elgar, Gloucestershire, UK, pp. 186-198. ISBN 9781035310166

Text WURO_Livingston et al 2025 Mixed Methods in Alston et al Elgar Hanbook.pdf Download (392kB)

Abstract

Social workers are trained to be reflective in evaluating their practice. They routinely use a rich variety of information to make assessments and guide future actions. These skills in uniting multiple sources of ‘data’ to inform activity are well-aligned with the skills used in undertaking mixed methods research. This chapter will illustrate how social workers may purposefully select and use multiple sources of data to better understand a practice problem in context or to evaluate a solution. Specifically, we will offer frameworks for how to approach four common research and evaluation tasks (1) Needs analysis, (2) Developing measures and interventions, (3) Evaluation of services, and (4) Policy appraisal. For each of these, we will discuss how two or more complementary sources of data might be used to illuminate the issue at hand. Illustrative case examples will be provided from the substance use field. The chapter will conclude with reflecting on how undertaking mixed methods research lends itself to interdisciplinary collaboration, mirroring inter-professional partnerships often required in social work practice.

Item Type:	Book Section
Keywords:	Mixed methods, Social work, Research design, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Alcohol, Drugs
Divisions:	Social and Life Sciences
Depositing User:	Hayley Dennis
Date Deposited:	17 Dec 2025 12:18
Last Modified:	17 Dec 2025 12:18
URI:	https://wrexham.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18385

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