International Journal of Education 

About: International Journal of Education is an academic journal published by Macrothink Institute. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Curriculum & Higher education. It has an ISSN identifier of 1948-5476. Over the lifetime, 1696 publications have been published receiving 11417 citations. The journal is also known as: IJE.

Demystifying Mixed Methods Research Design: A Review of the Literature.

Abstract: Accepted: 09.07..2013 Mixed methods research evolved in response to the observed limitations of both quantitative and qualitative designs and is a more complex method. The purpose of this paper was to examine mixed methods research in an attempt to demystify the design thereby allowing those less familiar with its design an opportunity to utilize it in future research. A review of the literature revealed that it has been gaining acceptance among researchers, researchers have begun using mixed methods research, it has the potential to offer more robust research, researchers are encouraged to outline clearly the reason(s) for using mixed methods design, and it is a more complex research design. Mixed methods research has become a valid alternative to either quantitative or qualitative research designs. It offers richer insights into the phenomenon being studied and allows the capture of information that might be missed by utilizing only one research design, enhances the body of knowledge, and generates more questions of interest for future studies that can handle a wider range of research questions because the researcher is not limited to one research design. Researchers will need to be knowledgeable in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs.

An Exemplar for Combining the Collection, Analysis, and Interpretations of Verbal and Nonverbal Data in Qualitative Research

Abstract: Denham and Onwuegbuzie (2013) provided evidence that relatively few qualitative researchers include any mention of nonverbal communication in their empirical articles. Of those who do include this information, the vast majority of qualitative researchers devote as little as one sentence to nonverbal communication data in their published articles. However, this lack of reporting of nonverbal communication data likely stems from the scant guidance in this area given by authors of qualitative research textbooks. Thus, the purpose of the present article is to provide a framework for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting nonverbal communication behavior. This framework yields guidelines for students to collect, to analyze, to interpret, and to report nonverbal communication data. Underlying this framework is a 13-step nonverbal communication process that serves as a conceptual framework that we use in our qualitative research methodology courses to help students develop a nonverbal communication way of thinking. This 13-step nonverbal communication process occurs at the following three stages: the Conceptualization Stage, the Planning Stage, and the Implementation Phase. Rather than representing a linear process, the nonverbal communication methodological steps within each stage and across stages are interactive and recursive. After providing this framework, we present an exemplar for reporting nonverbal communication data.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research: A View for Clarity

Abstract: This paper compares and contrasts two different approaches utilized in research on education: quantitative and qualitative research. A description of these two approaches is followed by a discussion of how the components of these two approaches differ. Philosophical assumptions, methods/types, purposes/goals, question/hypotheses, those being researched, those conducting the research, and data/data analysis are examined. In order to enhance the understanding of these different approaches, two service-learning research projects are discussed with a focus on these components. Finally, what is gained and lost with each approach is presented.

The Effects of Education Accountability on Teachers: Are Policies Too-Stress Provoking for Their Own Good?.

Abstract: Education policies in the United States and other nations have established academic standards and made teachers accountable for improved standardized test scores. Because policies can have unintended effects, in this study we investigated U.S. elementary school teachers’ perceptions of their state’s accountability policy, particularly its effect on their job engagement. We found support for a path model relating lack of policy support to teacher burnout via two mediators: role conflict and reduced self-efficacy. Results of interviews with a subset of teachers were consistent with the model. We conclude with recommendations to reduce teacher stress in manners consistent with the goals of accountability policies.

Data Analysis in Mixed Research: A Primer

Abstract: The purpose of this methodological article is to provide a primer for conducting a mixed analysis—the term used for analyzing data in mixed research. Broadly speaking, a mixed analysis involves using quantitative and quantitative data analysis techniques within the same study. In particular, a heuristic example using real data from a published study entitled “Perceptions of Barriers to Reading Empirical Literature: A Mixed Analysis” ( Benge, Onwuegbuzie, Burgess, & Mallette, 2010) is used with the aid of screenshots to illustrate how a researcher can conduct a quantitative dominant mixed analysis, wherein the quantitative analysis component is given higher priority and qualitative data and analysis is incorporated to increase understanding of the underlying phenomenon.