The Archipelago Approach To Mixed Method Evaluation

Bibliographic Data

ID12471400
AuthorsFrances Lawrenz (0000-0002-6317-7992, University of Minnesota, corresponding author), Douglas Huffman (0000-0001-8158-8448)
Year2002
Volume23
Issue3
Pages331-338
Publication date2002-09-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Evaluation (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1098-2140 • E-ISSN: 1557-0878
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/109821400202300308
OpenAlexW4243920641
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited6

In this article, we propose a new metaphorical framework for understanding and using mixed methods evaluation. Our re-conceptualization of mixing methods provides important insights into the theoretical and practical challenges of using a mixed method approach. Mixed methods can create philosophical and practical dilemmas in the ways data are collected, analyzed, interpreted and reported. We used an archipelago as a metaphor for resolving these challenges. An archipelago is a set of islands that loosely forms a group. Using the archipelago as a metaphor helped to clarify and re-conceptualize the evaluation approach and its findings by allowing simultaneous consideration of different mixed methods and stances. The results have implications for those attempting to use mixed methods to evaluate programs

Archaeology · Archipelago · Conceptualization · Epistemology · Geography · Linguistics · Management science · Metaphor · Multimethodology · Set (abstract data type · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Delphi Technique in Research · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Health Policy Implementation Science · Artificial Intelligence