Proposing a Methodological Borderland: Combining Chicana Feminist Theory With Transformative Mixed Methods Research

In this article, we propose a “methodological borderland,” defined as a methodological space in constant transition; one that allows researchers to combine multiple methods, data points, and theories, guided by a desire for social justice for studied populations. In doing so, we urge mixed methods researchers to access theoretical frameworks that are grounded in the ways of knowing of participants and that promote critical analysis and interpretation in conjunction with transformative mixed methods. Using a convergent mixed methods approach, we illustrate the way Chicana feminist theory can be used as a theoretical lens and analytic tool that can amplify the voices of Raza college students. We suggest and illustrate ways to use theory to enhance transformative mixed methods.

Singing and Dancing With Neuromuscular Conditions: A Mixed-Methods Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and meaningfulness of a 15-week recreational dance and singing program for people with neuromuscular conditions. Within a transformative mixed-methods design, pulmonary function tests, plethysmography through wearable technology (Hexoskin vests), individualized neuromuscular quality-of-life assessments (version 2.0), and semistructured interviews were used. The interviews were analyzed through inductive, semantic thematic analysis. Although the sample sizes were small (six people with neuromuscular conditions), the authors found no evidence of safety concerns. There was evidence of respiratory improvements and reported improvements in swallowing and speech. The most notable quality-of-life changes included improvements related to weakness, swallowing, relationships, and leisure. The participants shared that the program offered meaningful social connection and embodied skills and safe and pleasurable physical exertion. The authors learned that recreational singing and dancing programs could be a safe and deeply meaningful activity for those with neuromuscular conditions that impact respiration.

Methodisches Vorgehen

ZusammenfassungVor dem im theoretischen Teil dargelegten Hintergrund wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit die folgende übergeordnete Frage untersucht: Wie gestalten Lehrpersonen und Schulleitenden in elf Schulen des perLen-Projekts (personalisierte Lernkonzepte in heterogenen Lerngruppen) ihre unterrichtszentrierte Schulentwicklung in Richtung personalisierten Lernens? Zu deren Klärung werden zwei Studien durchgeführt: eine Längsschnittanalyse qualitativer Daten (Studie 1) und eine transformative Mixed-Methods-Analyse (Studie 2). Nach der Beschreibung des Designs beider Studien (Abschnitt 6.1) folgt die Charakterisierung der elf Schulen umfassenden Stichprobe (Abschnitt 6.2).

A Mixed Methods Study of K–12 Influences on College Participation for Students With Disabilities

This study investigated K–12 experiences individuals with disabilities perceived as influencing their transition to and participation in postsecondary education. Using a convergent transformative mixed methods research design, the study integrated findings from interviews and surveys ( n = 13) using multiple correspondence analysis. Qualitative analyses yielded eight K–12 facilitators of postsecondary education participation. Quantitative results showed participants reported access to at least one previously identified high school predictor, high levels of self-determination, and neutral identification with a disability community. Finally, integrated findings revealed that endorsement of facilitators was associated with experiencing a challenging transition to postsecondary education. Research and practice implications are discussed.

Suffering Like a Broken Toy

This paper will explore the difficult conversations and places of tension in the lived experience of chronic pain for urban American Indians from a larger study discerning relationships between chronic pain and colonization. A concurrent transformative mixed methods design with in-depth interviews and a survey was used for the larger study. This paper concerns only the qualitative data. Forty self-identified American Indian adults living in Indiana, Chicago, and Tulsa who reported pain for greater than three months provided their chronic pain illness experiences for this paper. The paper uses three data-derived themes to encompass the broad reaching social, psychological, and cultural suffering inherent in coping with chronic pain: invisibility, psychological peace, and warrior strength. American Indian chronic pain sufferers in this study struggle with the multiplicative invisibility of both their chronic pain and their native identity. The invisibility leads to passing as white in environments hostile to people of color. It also results in family disconnection, loneliness, and isolation. In order to survive socially-mediated assaults, American Indian chronic pain sufferers keep their psyche at peace through stress management, cultural engagement, and non-negativity. They also call upon warrior strength—their understanding that American Indians as peoples have always survived bolsters their individual strength to push through the pain. They seek to function without further debility and to maintain their economic, spiritual, social, and physical wellness. Ultimately the participants in this research tell a profound, critical, and world-changing story that requires attention in overcoming barriers to full thriving with chronic pain.

From Theory to Practice: Operationalizing Transformative Mixed Methods with and for the Studied Population

This study details the research practices that were developed to operationalize the guiding principles of the transformative mixed methods design. A transformative, explanatory-sequential mixed methods design was utilized to examine the workplace experiences of academic migrants and findings from the study supported better work conditions for the population. Two critical theoretical frameworks were implemented—migrant identity and intersectionality—and the study also illustrates how theoretical frameworks can serve to amplify the transformative paradigm in both phases of the mixed methods design. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of mixed methods by exhibiting rigorous research practices that operationalize the transformative criteria and demonstrates how to actualize social justice with and for the studied population.