Full Title

Integrating Mixed Methods in Process and Impact Evaluation

Session Overview

How can “mixed methods” improve the quality and utility of evaluations of complex, integrated programs ? How do we use MM throughout program design, monitoring, learning and evaluation Methodological and capacity considerations for rigorous mixed methods

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Summary

What qualifies as mixed methods? “any methodological combination [is] mixed methods research (MM) when it satisfies:

1. at least one qualitative method (QUAL) and one quantitative method (QUAN) are combined;
2. each method is used rigorously; and
3. the data collections, and/or data analyses, and/or results are integrated”

• Integration allows for a greater array of questions to be addressed to inform understanding process of impact, sustainability and scale up
• Triangulation of complementary methods verifies and increases utility of different data sources and findings
• Compensates for weaknesses of evaluation strategy due to resource / capacity constraints
• Mixed methods require us to stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zones – but the payoffs in terms of program learning and impacts are worth it

Format

Plenary masterclass

Speakers

Amy Webb Girard, Emory University