John W. Creswell

Bio: John W. Creswell is an academic researcher from Johns Hopkins University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Multimethodology & Qualitative research. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 8036 citations.

Determining Validity in Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract: (2000). Determining Validity in Qualitative Inquiry. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 39, Getting Good Qualitative Data to Improve Eduational Practice, pp. 124-130.

Editorial: Exploring the Nature of Research Questions in Mixed Methods Research

Abstract: • demonstrate the need for mixed methods to answer research questions that include clearly interconnected qualitative and quantitative components, • present distinctly identifiable qualitative and quantitative data (or one transformed to the other) that are analyzed and presented separately, • make identifiable inferences or conclusions on the basis of the results of appropriate qualitative and quantitative data analyses, and • clearly integrate the results of the two or more (qualitative and quantitative) strands of the study into coherent conclusions or inferences that are more comprehensive and meaningful than those of the qualitative or quantitative strands alone.

Editorial: Differing Perspectives on Mixed Methods Research:

Abstract: I n our first editorial, we mentioned how scholars define and conceptualize mixed methods. In the two following editorials, a core assumption in our discussions has been that the terms qualitative, quantitative, and mixed ‘‘methods’’ or ‘‘approaches’’ are used by scholars as proxies representing different meanings, concepts, or dimensions of the research process. Such meanings have included different worldviews (e.g., postpositivism, constructivism, transformative), types of questions (e.g., inductive, deductive, hybrids), types of data collection and analysis strategies (e.g., statistical, thematic analysis), types of mixing (e.g., at many stages in the process of research, at the analysis stage or interpretation stage), and inferences (e.g., meta-inferences, inferences within quantitative and qualitative strands). In response to these many meanings, some authors have begun to conceptualize domains of discussion (Creswell, 2007; Gilbert, 2006; Greene, 2006) about what constitutes mixed methods research. In this editorial, we would like to expand conceptualizations on mixed methods by examining various perspectives that mixed methods scholars have taken when discussing and writing about this topic. We have identified four different (but not necessarily mutually exclusive) perspectives. The first is a method perspective, in which scholars view mixed methods as focused on the process and outcomes of using both qualitative and quantitative methods and types of data. The second is a methodology perspective, in which writers discuss mixed methods as a distinct methodology that integrates aspects of the process of research such as worldview, questions, methods, and inferences or conclusions. The third is a paradigm perspective, in which researchers discuss an overarching worldview or several worldviews that provide a philosophical foundation for mixed methods research. The final and fourth perspective is the practice perspective, in which scholars view mixed methods research as a means or set of procedures to use as they conduct their research designs, whether these designs are survey research, ethnography, or others. By reviewing these four perspectives, we hope to stress the importance of divergent views and discourses as the field of mixed methods research continues to develop (see Freshwater, 2007).

Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research

Abstract: The use of reliability and validity are common in quantitative research and now it is reconsidered in the qualitative research paradigm. Since reliability and validity are rooted in positivist perspective then they should be redefined for their use in a naturalistic approach. Like reliability and validity as used in quantitative research are providing springboard to examine what these two terms mean in the qualitative research paradigm, triangulation as used in quantitative research to test the reliability and validity can also illuminate some ways to test or maximize the validity and reliability of a qualitative study. Therefore, reliability, validity and triangulation, if they are relevant research concepts, particularly from a qualitative point of view, have to be redefined in order to reflect the multiple ways of establishing truth. Key words: Reliability, Validity, Triangulation, Construct, Qualitative, and Quantitative This article discusses the use of reliability and validity in the qualitative research paradigm. First, the meanings of quantitative and qualitative research are discussed. Secondly, reliability and validity as used in quantitative research are discussed as a way of providing a springboard to examining what these two terms mean and how they can be tested in the qualitative research paradigm. This paper concludes by drawing upon the use of triangulation in the two paradigms (quantitative and qualitative) to show how the changes have influenced our understanding of reliability, validity and triangulation in qualitative studies.

Qualitative Quality: Eight “Big-Tent” Criteria for Excellent Qualitative Research

Abstract: This article presents a model for quality in qualitative research that is uniquely expansive, yet flexible, in that it makes distinc- tions among qualitative research's means (methods and practices) and its ends. The article first provides a contextualization and rationale for the conceptualization. Then the author presents and explores eight key markers of quality in qualitative research including (a) worthy topic, (b) rich rigor, (c) sincerity, (d) credibility, (e) resonance, (f) significant contribution, (g) ethics, and (h) meaningful coherence. This eight-point conceptualization offers a useful pedagogical model and provides a common language of qualitative best practices that can be recognized as integral by a variety of audiences. While making a case for these markers of quality, the article leaves space for dialogue, imagination, growth, and improvisation.

Qualitative Research Designs: Selection and Implementation

Abstract: Counseling psychologists face many approaches from which to choose when they conduct a qualitative research study. This article focuses on the processes of selecting, contrasting, and implementing five different qualitative approaches. Based on an extended example related to test interpretation by counselors, clients, and communities, this article provides a detailed discussion about five qualitative approaches— narrative research; case study research; grounded theory; phenomenology; and participatory action research—as alternative qualitative procedures useful in understanding test interpretation. For each approach, the authors offer perspectives about historical origins, definition, variants, and the procedures of research.

Using Mixed-Methods Sequential Explanatory Design: From Theory to Practice

Abstract: This article discusses some procedural issues related to the mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, which implies collecting and analyzing quantitative and then qualitative data in two consecutive phases within one study. Such issues include deciding on the priority or weight given to the quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis in the study, the sequence of the data collection and analysis, and the stage/stages in the research process at which the quantitative and qualitative data are connected and the results are integrated. The article provides a methodological overview of priority, implementation, and mixing in the sequential explanatory design and offers some practical guidance in addressing those issues. It also outlines the steps for graphically representing the procedures in a mixed-methods study. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory study of doctoral students’ persistence in a distance-learning program in educational leadership is used to illustrate the methodological dis...