SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT: Research Methods

In the field of second language (L2) writing, we have recently seen "a collective future trend towards methodological diversity and expansion of repertoires of research methods and approaches" (Manchón & Matsuda, 2016, p. 9). In responding to the call for methodological diversity, we set out to explore mixed methods research methodology in L2 writing research. Mixed methods research (MMR) has been acknowledged as a 'third' or 'alternative' methodological approach along with quantitative and qualitative research approaches over the past two decades in social sciences and other fields

Mixed methods research (MMR) has been adopted in a variety of disciplines, including health science, social studies, psychology, early childhood, and business. More recently, higher education researchers adopted this methodology, but with limited evaluation on the quality of published mixed methods research. To enhance researchers' understanding of using MMR, we developed a 4-dimension codebook and reviewed 14 recently published mixed methods research articles that were published in 3 top journals in higher education.

The purpose of this editorial is to advocate for increased use of nonparametric statistics in mixed methods research studies, or more aptly labeled as mixed research to denote the fact that more than methods typically are mixed (e.g., philosophical assumptions and stances, research questions). First, we outline how the strengths of using nonparametric statistics outweighs the limitations. Second, we demonstrate empirically how infrequently nonparametric statistics appear in a flagship journal (i.e., Journal of Mixed Methods Research [JMMR]).

Undergraduate social science research methods courses tend to have higher than average rates of failure and withdrawal. Lack of success in these courses impedes students' progression through their degree programs and negatively impacts institutional retention and graduation rates. Grounded in adult learning theory, this mixed methods study examines the factors that influence student achievement in these courses among a sample of 724 social science students. Quantitative results indicate math self-concept, the belief that being good at math is necessary for success in the course; anxiety; attributions of course utility; learning approach; and GPA predict perceived learning.

Background: Involving patients as partners in research is a defining characteristic of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). While patients’ experiential knowledge of a health condition or treatment may yield research priorities not reflected by researchers and policy makers, the methods for identifying and effectively collaborating with patients are still evolving. Patient registries and crowdsourcing may offer ease of access and convenience to both researchers and patients. Surveys and focus groups, including online modalities, have been described for prioritizing research topics. However, little is known about how these different methods compare in producing consistent priorities and similar perceptions of engagement quality among participants.

Increasing a correctional offender's mindset, resilience, and self-efficacy can be accomplished through the efficient use of technology within correctional education. Correctional facilities that employ the use of technology have the capacity to provide offenders with a tool that will serve them while they are incarcerated and again when they are reintroduced into society.

Society is at an energy crossroads today. How will our global economy become sustainable for future generations? For today's global organizations can the right thing and the profitable thing be the same thing? Can (or should) successful organizations improve the human condition?