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Bridging the qualitative–quantitative divide: Experiences from conducting a mixed methods evaluation in the RUCAS programme

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  • Makrakis, Vassilios
  • Kostoulas-Makrakis, Nelly

Abstract

Quantitative and qualitative approaches to planning and evaluation in education for sustainable development have often been treated by practitioners from a single research paradigm. This paper discusses the utility of mixed method evaluation designs which integrate qualitative and quantitative data through a sequential transformative process. Sequential mixed method data collection strategies involve collecting data in an iterative process whereby data collected in one phase contribute to data collected in the next. This is done through examples from a programme addressing the ‘Reorientation of University Curricula to Address Sustainability (RUCAS): A European Commission Tempus-funded Programme’. It is argued that the two approaches are complementary and that there are significant gains from combining both. Using methods from both research paradigms does not, however, mean that the inherent differences among epistemologies and methodologies should be neglected. Based on this experience, it is recommended that using a sequential transformative mixed method evaluation can produce more robust results than could be accomplished using a single approach in programme planning and evaluation focussed on education for sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Makrakis, Vassilios & Kostoulas-Makrakis, Nelly, 2016. "Bridging the qualitative–quantitative divide: Experiences from conducting a mixed methods evaluation in the RUCAS programme," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 144-151.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:54:y:2016:i:c:p:144-151
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.07.008
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Alicja Balcerak & Jacek Woźniak, 2022. "Shaping Pro-Environmental Attitudes through Higher Education—A Preliminary Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Norwood, Michael Francis & Lakhani, Ali & Maujean, Annick & Downes, Martin & Fullagar, Simone & McIntyre, Michelle & Byrne, Jason & Stewart, Anna & Barber, Bonnie L. & Kendall, Elizabeth, 2019. "Assessing emotional and social health using photographs: An innovative research method for rural studies and its applicability in a care-farming program for youth," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    3. Maria Rosario Perello-Marín & Gabriela Ribes-Giner & Odette Pantoja Díaz, 2018. "Enhancing Education for Sustainable Development in Environmental University Programmes: A Co-Creation Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(1), pages 1-17, January.
    4. Pantaleón D. Romero & Nicolas Montes & Sara Barquero & Paula Aloy & Teresa Ferrer & Marusela Granell & Manuel Millán, 2021. "EXPLORIA, a New Way to Teach Maths at University Level as Part of Everything," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-19, May.
    5. Lucía Hilario & Marta Covadonga Mora & Nicolás Montés & Pantaleón David Romero & Sara Barquero, 2022. "Gamification for Maths and Physics in University Degrees through a Transportation Challenge," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(21), pages 1-20, November.
    6. Zhang, Tingting & Yan, Xiangbin & Wang, William Yu Chung & Chen, Qin, 2021. "Unveiling physicians’ personal branding strategies in online healthcare service platforms," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    7. Pamela Hermosilla & Felipe Muñoz-La Rivera & Nicolás Ateaga & Elisa Gallardo, 2021. "Strategy for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Competencies in Engineering Programs to Improve Students’ Learning and Quality of Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-21, October.
    8. Abraham, Traci H. & Deen, Tisha L. & Hamilton, Michelle & True, Gala & O’Neil, Marie T. & Blanchard, Jessica & Uddo, Madeline, 2020. "Analyzing free-text survey responses: An accessible strategy for developing patient-centered programs and program evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    9. Vassilios Makrakis & Nelly Kostoulas-Makrakis, 2023. "A Participatory Curriculum Approach to ICT-Enabled Education for Sustainability in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-11, February.
    10. Pelucha, Martin & Kveton, Viktor & Potluka, Oto, 2019. "Using mixed method approach in measuring effects of training in firms: Case study of the European Social Fund support," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 146-155.
    11. Yang Liu, 2022. "Paradigmatic Compatibility Matters: A Critical Review of Qualitative-Quantitative Debate in Mixed Methods Research," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, March.

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