How can you use mixed methods approaches to explore Higher Education administration?

In Higher Education research, mixed methods combine the strengths of both quantitative (numerical data) and qualitative (textual or observational data) approaches in a single study. This allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of complex administrative issues. It's like having both a wide-angle lens (quantitative data reveals trends and patterns across large groups) and a telephoto lens (qualitative data offers detailed insights into individual experiences and perspectives). By combining these lenses, you can explore: 1) Why quantitative trends occur (e.g., low retention rates might be linked to specific student experiences). 2) How policies and initiatives are perceived and implemented by different stakeholders.

Use mixed methods approaches in Higher Education administration by combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. Conduct surveys and gather quantitative data to identify trends and patterns. Complement this with qualitative methods like interviews or focus groups to gain deeper insights into the experiences and perceptions of administrators, students, and faculty. The combination allows for a comprehensive understanding of complex issues in Higher Education administration.

In order to address a research issue, mixed methods research integrates components of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Because this strategy incorporates the advantages of both quantitative and qualitative research, it can provide researchers with a more comprehensive picture than either one alone. In the behavioral, health, and social sciences, mixed methods research is frequently employed, particularly in collaborative settings and intricate situational or societal studies. The "best of both worlds" analysis, technique flexibility, and study scope expansion are among the advantages of mixed methods research.

One example I know of Sequential Explanatory Design- this is used when you want to explore a phenomenon using qualitative data first before developing hypotheses for quantitative testing. I have heard of this type of design method in schools in Asia - when - studying the impact of a new teaching method—qualitative interviews with teachers are adopted first, followed by a quantitative survey to test the effectiveness.

Mixed methods approaches can be employed in exploring Higher Education administration by integrating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data, such as statistical analysis of institutional metrics or survey responses, provides numerical insights into administrative trends and patterns. Qualitative data, such as interviews or focus groups with administrators and stakeholders, offers deeper understanding and context to administrative practices and challenges. By triangulating data from multiple sources, researchers can obtain a comprehensive understanding of Higher Education administration, allowing for nuanced insights and informed decision-making.

This is completely out of my field. My recent experiences of higher education leadership were painful and dreadful: institutional bullying on a large scale. Frankly, most HE leaders (with honourable exceptions) couldn’t care less about what researchers think.

Various techniques and methodologies that integrate qualitative and quantitative research methods in the management of higher education. With the help of this method's more solid analytical framework, researchers may solve difficult issues with increased validity and dependability. Researchers might better grasp the complex nature of educational challenges by integrating quantitative data—which gives statistical rigor and generalizability—with qualitative data—which adds depth and context. Mixed-methods approaches are very helpful for researching challenging problems and difficulties in education.

An embedded or sequential mixed methods design may be used to create a mixed methods research for higher education administration. Whereas a sequential design collects and analyzes one sort of data before the other, an embedded design collects and analyzes both quantitative and qualitative data concurrently but separately. For instance, an embedded mixed methods design was utilized in a research on enhancing student learning in higher education to evaluate the experience and efficacy of a faculty development program. Another study on change management in higher education employed a sequential mixed methods methodology, with a qualitative first phase and a quantitative second phase, to investigate employees' perceptions.

Keep in mind that no matter how much data you have or how insightful the analysis, some decisions will be hard. In my work, I see many leaders request more and more data -- another survey, more focus groups, more peer benchmarking -- in the hopes that it will make a tough call easy. But many times there is no "n" big enough and you have to make a judgement call. Sometimes there is no past data you can use to predict the future but you can do a pilot instead. As you decide, ask yourself Roger Martin's question of "What would have to be true" (for our strategy to be working)? Then look for evidence of this out in the world that will confirm you're on the right track.