Creswell, Plano Clark among scholars contributing to NIH best practices for research

31 Aug 2011    

The National Institutes of Health today released recommendations for best practices for scientists conducting mixed methods health research. Mixed methods research combines the strengths of quantitative research and qualitative research. Despite the increased interest in mixed methods research in health fields and at NIH, prior to this report, limited guidance was available to help scientists develop applications for NIH funding that featured mixed methods designs, nor was there guidance for the reviewers at NIH who assess the quality of these applications.

The recommendations were created by John W. Creswell and Vicki L. Plano Clark of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Ann Carroll Klassen, Drexel University, Philadelphia; and Katherine Clegg Smith, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

Quantitative research typically examines relationships among variables and can come from randomized clinical trials, experiments and surveys. Qualitative research helps scientists understand the meaning of processes and generates new theories by examining the role of contexts and experiences in detail through focus groups, record reviews, and interviews. Mixed methods research combines these methods and capitalizes on the strengths of both.

“With the explosion of diverse scientific methodologies being used to address our most critical public health issues, it is an opportune time for NIH to provide best practices,” stated Robert M. Kaplan, Ph.D., director of OBSSR.

The report provides practical best practices for researchers seeking to incorporate mixed methods research into their applications for NIH research grants as well as fellowship, career, training and center grants. The latter part of the report suggests criteria for evaluating the merits of proposed investigations using mixed methods. The best practices report ends with overall recommendations for applicants, reviewers and stakeholders.

For more information, visit Best Practices for Mixed Methods Research in the Health Sciences.