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The Guiding Role of Theory in Mixed-Methods Research: Combining Individual and Institutional Perspectives on the Transition to Higher Education

Theory and Method in Higher Education Research

ISBN: 978-1-78743-223-9, eISBN: 978-1-78743-222-2

Publication date: 21 August 2017

Abstract

The methodological discourse of mixed-methods research offers general procedures to combine quantitative and qualitative methods for investigating complex fields of research such as higher education. However, integrating different methods still poses considerable challenges. To move beyond general recommendations for mixed-methods research, this chapter proposes to discuss methodological issues with respect to a particular research domain. Taking current studies on the transition to higher education as an example, the authors first provide an overview of the potentials and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods in the research domain. Second, they show the need for a conceptual framework grounded in the theory of the research object to guide the integration of different methods and findings. Finally, an example study that investigates transition with regard to the interplay of the individual student and the institutional context serves to illustrate the guiding role of theory. The framework integrates different theoretical perspectives on transition, informs the selection of the research methods, and defines the nexus of the two strands that constitute the mixed-methods design. As the interplay of individual and context is of concern for teaching and learning in general, the example presented may be fruitful for the wider field of higher education research.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgment

This paper is part of a research project at the University of Hamburg sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (grant no. 01PB14005). Any opinions expressed here are those of the author.

Citation

Barnat, M., Bosse, E. and Trautwein, C. (2017), "The Guiding Role of Theory in Mixed-Methods Research: Combining Individual and Institutional Perspectives on the Transition to Higher Education", Theory and Method in Higher Education Research (Theory and Method in Higher Education Research, Vol. 3), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2056-375220170000003001

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited