Season 10 of the MMIRA MOOC will take place from 1th December 2024 to 31st May 2025. Registration will be open from 13th November and during this Season time until two weeks before Season 10 closes. Use this event listing to register for the MOOC. You will receive an email once our Enrollment Manager enrolls you in the MOOC.
Season 10 will be broken out by learning levels: fundamental, novice, intermediate, advanced, and expert.
A. Fundamental
1. Defining Mixed Methods Research by Dr. J Greene
This course outlines what constitutes a mixed method approach to social enquiry as well as the unique contribution of mixed methods to the broad domain of social inquiry.
2. Paradigms and Mixing by Dr. L Cook
This course will enable students to clearly identify the key attributes of a research paradigm and explore various dimensions of philosophy. Students will learn to differentiate between research methods and paradigms and recognize the importance of paradigms in guiding research.
3. An Introduction to Mixed Methods: Choosing MMR by Dr. Hatta ( Japanese Language)
This course, presented in Japanese, will help students differentiate between various definitions of mixed methods research in the field and identify the core assumptions underlying these definitions. Students will also explore common reasons for selecting mixed methods and learn to articulate a rationale for using this approach in relation to specific research questions.
B. NOVICE
1. Purpose of Mixed Methods Research by Dr. E Creamer
This course introduces students to the five categories of rationales for mixed methods (MM) identified by Greene, Caracelli, and Graham (1989), emphasizing the value of organizing MM studies by purpose rather than design. Students will explore the Initiation and Expansion rationales, learn about fully integrated mixed methods research (FIMMR), and examine how specific design features align with these rationales. They’ll also weigh diverse perspectives on the purpose typology and apply their knowledge to purpose statements.
2. Combination Strategies by Dr. P Pluye
This course will guide students in exploring and applying practical strategies for effectively integrating qualitative and quantitative phases, data, and results in mixed methods research. Through various examples, students will review and practice combining these elements to enhance coherence and depth in their research findings.
3. Pragmatism as a Paradigm for Mixed Methods Research by Prof. D Morgan
This course will introduce students to the three core elements of pragmatism—beliefs, actions, and consequences—and examine how this approach contrasts with traditional philosophies of knowledge. Students will compare abduction with induction and deduction, explore how inquiry processes generate knowledge, and apply pragmatic principles to the field of mixed methods research.
C. INTERMEDIATE
1. Learning Analytics in Mixed Methods Research by Dr. D Song
This course will help students grasp the concept of Learning Analytics as a research approach and develop skills in applying fundamental techniques for data analysis. Additionally, students will generate ideas for incorporating Learning Analytics into mixed methods research, enhancing their overall research capabilities.
2. Mixed Methods Research in Health Sciences Research by Dr. S Munce
This course offers an overview of both primary and advanced mixed methods designs and frameworks, along with key considerations for mixed methods analysis. Students will discuss the significance of integration and examine integration at the methodological and interpretive levels, including the use of joint displays. The course will also cover data integration and how to address discordant findings, introduce three practical examples of mixed methods research in the health sciences, and summarize the considerations and challenges associated with mixed methods research in this field.
3. Integrating Visual Methods in Mixed Methods Research by Dr. C Edwards
This course will enable students to identify and define visual methods and explore how these methods align with the traditions of mixed methods research. Students will learn about common visual techniques that can be incorporated into their mixed methods designs and discover ways to transform visual data for effective integration within their research.
D. ADVANCED
1. Theory Development in Mixed Methods Research by Dr. E Creamer
This module covers three key areas in empirical research, beginning with the role of theory, where participants will identify various conceptual and methodological frameworks that enhance study design and recognize the importance of multi-dimensional core constructs. In the second part, they will explore Mixed Method Grounded Theory (MM-GT), focusing on the centrality of temporal sequences, the significance of case-based analysis, and the impact of unexpected findings on theory building. Finally, the module addresses issues of design and reporting, equipping participants with strategies to incorporate variability and theoretical nuance, navigate key debates among grounded theory experts regarding literature reviews, and visualize a fully integrated mixed methods design that promotes effective integration throughout the research process.
2. Multidimensional Continua in Mixed Methods Research by Dr. K Niglas
This course will explore the evolution of methodological thought since the 1970s and describe three different starting points: the division of social research into philosophy-based paradigms, methodology-based paradigms, and the non-paradigmatic stance. Participants will examine the development of research methodology conceptualized as a multidimensional continuum and delve into the construct of an integrated multidimensional continuum of research methodology.
3. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool-MMAT by Dr. Q Hong
This course focuses on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), designed to evaluate the methodological quality of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies across five different categories: qualitative, randomized controlled, nonrandomized, quantitative descriptive, and mixed methods. By the end of the module, participants will be familiar with the MMAT, including its purpose, appropriate contexts for use, and the practical steps for implementing the tool in systematic reviews that integrate various study types.
E. EXPERT:
1. Teaching Mixed Methods Research by Dr. P Shannon-Baker
This course will explore trends in the scholarship of teaching and learning in mixed methods research (MMR) and provide a framework for considering contextual factors when designing a course on the subject. Participants will distinguish between essential introductory topics and those suited for advanced mixed methods coursework, identify important criteria for selecting reading materials, and describe scalable activities and assignments that facilitate learning about mixed methods.
