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2016
Mixed Methods Research in LIS Literature: A Scoping Review Mixed Methods Research in LIS Literature: A Scoping Review
Emily A. Crist
University of Vermont
Elizabeth A. Berman
University of Vermont
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Recommended Citation Recommended Citation
Crist, Emily A. and Berman, Elizabeth A., "Mixed Methods Research in LIS Literature: A Scoping Review"
(2016).
University Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications
. 39.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/libfacpub/39
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Emily Crist & Elizabeth Berman, University of Vermont
Objective
The objective of this study is to conduct a
preliminary review of Library &
Information Science (LIS) literature to
establish protocol and inclusion/exclusion
criteria for a full scoping review.
The full review will identify:
1. How mixed methods research (MMR) is
being used in LIS research studies;
2. What type of research questions are
utilizing mixed methods; and
3. What combination of methods are being
used.
This study will help academic and research
librarians engage with MMR.
Methods
Exploratory Scoping Study
Scoping studies aim “to map rapidly the key
concepts underpinning a research area and
the main sources and types of evidence
available, and can be undertaken as stand-
alone projects in their own right, especially
where an area is complex or has not been
reviewed comprehensively before” (Mays,
Roberts & Popay, 2001, p. 194).
This review seeks “to examine the extent,
range and nature of research activity”
(Arksey & O’Malley, 2005) of mixed methods
research articles published by LIS
researchers.
Mixed Methods Research in LIS Literature: A Scoping Review
Preliminary Results
Using the protocol in Figure 2, researchers
searched across two LIS article databases,
retrieving 202 articles that met the pre-
search criteria.
Researchers then independently reviewed
article titles, abstracts, and keywords based
on screening criteria listed in Figure 2. In
the case of conflicting or uncertain
eligibility, consensus was reached through
discussion.
55 articles were eligible for further analysis.
The majority of these articles represent
academic librarianship (64%, n=35), with
top journals including
Evidence Based
Library & Information Practice, Reference
Services Review, Journal of Librarianship &
Information Science,
and
New Library
World
.
Conclusions
This preliminary review has determined
protocol and eligibility criteria for a full
scoping review.
The full review will:
• Map the types of methods used along with
the type of research questions that they
answer, thus revealing the current
landscape of mixed methods in the field;
• Contribute to an increased understanding
for LIS scholars who want to position
their studies within mixed methods
applications; and
• Provide researchers with examples of
methodological combinations to answer
LIS research questions.
Next Steps
The following next steps will be completed:
• Update search terms
• Extend search years and databases
• Re-run searches
• Screen citations with inclusion and
exclusion criteria
• Review included full articles for eligibility
• Chart the findings
• Report on the results
Introduction
Distinct from either quantitative or
qualitative research paradigms, mixed
methods research (MMR) is considered the
third methodological movement (Creswell
& Plano Clark, 2011).
Citations
Arksey, H. & O’Malley, L. (2003). Scoping studies: Towards a
methodological framework.
International Journal of Social
Research Methodology
, 8(1): 19-32.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2011). Designing and
conducting mixed methods research. SAGE Publications (2nd ed.).
Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
Greene, J. C. (2007). Mixed methods in social inquiry. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2007). Toward
a Definition of Mixed Methods Research.
Journal of Mixed
Methods Research
, 1(2), 112–133.
Journal of Mixed Methods Research
. (2016). Retrieved from:
http://mmr.sagepub.com/
Mays, N., Roberts, R., & Popay, J. (2001). Synthesizing research
evidence. In
Methods for studying the delivery and organisation of
health services
, editors N. Fulop, P. Allen, A. Clarke & N. Black.
London: Routledge.
Small, M. L. (2010). How to Conduct a Mixed Methods Study:
Recent Trends in a Rapidly Growing Literature.
Annual Review of
Sociology
, 37(1), 57-86.
Definition
MMR has a plurality of definitions
(Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011; Greene,
2007; Johnson, Onwuegbuzie & Turner,
2007; Small, 2011), but one widely accepted
definition comes from the
Journal of Mixed
Methods Research
(2016):
Mixed methods research is
defined as research in which the
investigator collects and analyzes
data, integrates the findings, and
draws inferences using both
qualitative and quantitative
approaches or methods in a single
study or program of inquiry.
Advantage
By combining qualitative and quantitative
approaches in MMR, the strengths of one
method can off-set the weaknesses of the
other. As a result, MMR encourages a
pragmatic approach that takes into account
multiple worldviews, providing a new way
of thinking about an issue or a more holistic
understanding of the question being
researched.
Challenge
Researchers need foundational knowledge
in multiple research designs, including
qualitative, quantitative, and how the two
integrate, as well as an understanding of
the intentionality behind using mixed
methods to address research questions.
STAGES
Stage 1: Identifying the research questions
Stage 2: Identifying relevant studies
Stage 3: Study selection
Stage 4: Charting the data
Stage 5: Collating, summarizing and
reporting the results
Figure 1.
Stages of a scoping study (Arksey & O’Malley, 2005)
Figure 2.
Scoping review flow chart
