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Mixing Methods for Full-Strength Results

Two Welfare Studies

Michigan State University, East Lansing, sosulski{at}msu.edu

Catherine Lawrence

University at Albany, New York

This article discusses the practical application of mixed quantitative and qualitative designs. Mixed methods designs can be especially powerful in illuminating policy solutions and directions for social action, thus supporting the social justice goals of social work and other helping professions. However, the decision to combine methods must be appropriate for the study, elevating the integrity and strength of the results. This article uses two studies of U.S. welfare policy to describe the decisions researchers made during the design, implementation, and combined statistical and interpretive analyses of the two research projects.

Key Words: mixed methods research • mixed methods designs • U.S. welfare reform • social action

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