Routledge Mixed-Methods Research in Wellbeing and Health

Mixed-Methods Research in Wellbeing and Health brings together nine examples of high-quality research into wellbeing and health using a range of mixed methods. Research that employs mixed methods can yield robust data that is both more reliable and valid than that arising from a single-method approach. Mixed-methods research is a vital component in responding to recent changes to the more complex needs of an increasingly diverse society and its health sector. This book covers how mixed-methods research can be designed creatively and applied sensitively in the context of wellbeing and health research. The editors have included a set of bespoke questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. The expert editorial commentary highlights the benefits and methodological challenges of mixed-methods research as well as ‘thinking points’ for researchers as they plan and carry out mixed-methods research on wellbeing and health topics. Within a holistic view of wellbeing and health, the mixed-methods research designs are applied appropriately in both practice and community settings. The research can be shaped by pragmatism and the actual needs of a study rather than purely theoretical considerations. This practical book makes high-quality, mixed-methods research design and execution guidance readily accessible to health-care practitioners and researchers working in the fields of health, social care and wellbeing services and to undergraduate and postgraduate students in courses in research and health-care studies, as well as health management. Review "We live in a complex world where causes, meanings and contexts interweave. Useful research relies on sophisticated and creative methodologies that respond to this complexity. This book offers excellent exemplars of such research and decisively advances the case for mixed methods designs. More than ever in health and well-being research, we need to free ourselves from traditional methodological constraints to successfully grapple with the urgent problems of our time. This book is an important, creative and timely contribution to that project." -- Professor Andrew Cooper, Professor of Social Work, The Tavistock and Portman Foundation Trust "This important and original book has pulled together a broad collection of fascinating studies that illuminate and explore different mixed methods approaches. It is thoroughly recommended for anyone learning how to do health and wellbeing research or grappling with how to do it better." -- Dr Simon Fraser, Associate Professor of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, UK "This is essential reading for all who are planning mixed methods and multi-modal research, not only in the arenas of wellbeing and health. Through practical, diverse and policy orientated examples, it clearly illuminates the why, how, impact, successes and challenges of such approaches. A much-needed addition to the research literature." -- Professor Judith Lathlean, Visiting Professor, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, UK This book provides a welcome and timely collection of chapters that encourage a fresh view of mixed methods research in health and wellbeing, together with a critical overview that invites discussion and reflection. It promises to help move forward the field of health and wellbeing research, opening possibilities for new research questions, new voices and with new implications for policy and practice." -- Professor Jane Payler, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Languages Studies, The Open University, UK About the Author Rachel Locke is Senior Lecturer in International Development and Global Health in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Winchester, UK. Amanda Lees is a Senior Researcher in the Health and Wellbeing Research Group at the University of Winchester, UK.