Date/Time
Date(s) - 18/03/2026 - 20/03/2026
0:00
Categories
The Evaluators’ Institute (TEI)
18/3/26 – 20/3/26
Evaluators are frequently in evaluation situations in which they are collecting data through multiple methods, often both qualitative and quantitative. Too often, however, these study components are conducted and reported independently, and do not maximize the explanation building that can occur through their integration. Moreover, few evaluators have had exposure to the burgeoning set of analytic methods being developed and used to integrate quantitative and qualitative data meaningfully.
The purpose of this course is to sensitize evaluators to the opportunities in their work for designing and implementing mixed methods, and to be more intentional in the ways that they design and implement their studies to integrate qualitative and quantitative approaches. The course will begin with an overview of the issues involved with mixed-methods research, highlighting the accolades and the criticisms of integrating approaches. The course will then focus on the research questions and evaluation situations that are conducive for mixed-methods, and the variety of designs that are possible (e.g., parallel mixed methods that occur at the same time and are integrated in their inference; sequential designs in which one method follows another chronologically, either confirming or disconfirming the findings, or providing further explanation). A significant portion of the course will be on strategies for implementing mixed-methods designs and analyzing the data to maximize their integration. Examples from the instructor’s work, the literature, and those offered by course participants will pepper the course throughout the three days. The course will be highly interactive, with ample time for participants to discuss how the course can be applied to their own work. Participants will work in small groups on an example that will carry through the three days of the course.