Methods That Matter

Integrating Mixed Methods for More Effective Social Science Research

Hay M. Cameron

To do research that really makes a difference – the authors of this book argue – social scientists need questions and methods that reflect the complexity of the world. Bringing together a consortium of voices across a variety of fields, "Methods that Matter" offers compelling and successful examples of mixed methods research that do just that. In case after case, the researchers here break out of the traditional methodological silos that have long separated social science disciplines in order to better describe the intricacies of our personal and social worlds. Historically, the largest division between social science methods has been that between quantitative and qualitative measures. For people trained in psychology or sociology, the bias has been toward the former, using surveys and experiments that yield readily comparable numerical results. For people trained in anthropology, it has been toward the latter, using ethnographic observations and interviews that offer richer nuances of meaning but are difficult to compare across societies. Discussing their own endeavors to combine the quantitative with the qualitative, the authors invite readers into a conversation about the best designs and practices of mixed methodologies to stimulate creative ideas and find new pathways of insight. The result is an engaging exploration of a promising new approach to the social sciences.

About the Author

M. Cameron Hay is associate professor of anthropology, coordinator of Global Health Studies, and director of the Global Health Research Innovation Center at Miami University, as well as associate research anthropologist in the Center for Culture and Health at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is the author of "Remembering to Live".

Reviews

"An inspirational invitation to break through silos – 'Methods That Matter' is a tour de force. It showcases tangible and aspirational exemplars for both neophyte and experienced researchers. A wonderful addition to the field!"– Carola Suarez-Orozco, Graduate School of Education and Information, University of California, Los Angeles

"The social sciences desperately need to get out of their disciplinary silos and talk to each other. Mixed methods research not only enables those conversations but improves the quality of the research. This marvelous book is rich with sensible guidance and examples of how to do it. It is great both for teaching and for cover-to-cover reading and reflection" – T. M. Luhrmann, Department of Anthropology, Stanford University

"Conducting research that improves people's lives requires researchers to get proximate to the challenges we seek to understand. 'Methods That Matter' will help generations of scholars bridge quantitative and qualitative modes of inquiry in order to do just that, improving our understanding of social problems and their solutions. I look forward to using it in my classes" – Sara Goldrick-Rab, Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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