The complex phenomena studied by engineering education researchers frequently require the complementary use of qualitative and quantitative approaches. In light of these needs, many researchers are utilizing mixed methods designs to take advantage of the relative strengths and individual merits of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. This article presents a brief overview of mixed methods research, and provides a content analysis how it is being used and reported in engineering education journals. Using a mixed methods approach, the authors first reviewed the application of mixed methods designs from fifteen articles from 2005 to the present against an existing set of criteria. Each article was then re-examined to explore how the authors address the integration of the quantitative and qualitative data. Finally consideration is given to how the authors of studies in engineering education interpret and report the meaning and use of mixed methods designs. The paper concludes with recommendations for engineering education researchers considering the use of a mixed methods approach.
展开▼
