Vicki L. Plano Clark’s research while affiliated with University of Cincinnati and other places

Prevalence studies have been conducted to assess the adoption of mixed methods research (MMR) across contexts. A limitation of these studies for understanding MMR adoption is their reliance on dichotomous operationalization or focus on one MMR practice. This study employed an item response theory model to examine the measurement of MMR adoption with reported MMR elements as indicators. Results indicate that MMR studies can be differentiated on their degree of MMR adoption and that elements such as Integration techniques, Sequence, and Qualitative and Quantitative Methods have a pronounced ability to differentiate MMR studies on the degree they adopted MMR practices. This study contributes to the field of MMR by offering a novel approach to operationalizing the degree of MMR adoption.

Purpose To explore brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI)-affected adults’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) experiences informed by the theoretical framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. Methods This study applied a qualitative collective case study design. Twelve participants who participated in a prior survey study were recruited using maximum variation sampling. One-on-one semi-structured interviews focused on gaining in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences with HRQoL. Interviews were recorded verbatim and thematically analysed. Results We identified two themes. First, the theme biopsychosocial dimensions of the experience comprised the ways BPBI affects physical and emotional health and how BPBI is intertwined with affected individuals’ identities, activities/participation, and social environments. Second, the theme lifelong and variable experience encompassed how BPBI is a chronic condition that changes over time and varies among affected individuals. The cross-case analysis derived a conceptual model of BPBI HRQoL to describe the BPBI experience through the lifespan. In this model, multiple dimensions of BPBI HRQoL expand through the lifespan while BPBI-specific health resources’ availability contract. Conclusions By providing insight into the many ways that BPBI affects and is affected by an individual’s functioning and personal, social, and healthcare environmental factors, these findings underscore lifelong individualized care for BPBI-affected persons is needed.

The field of mixed methods research embraces diversity and encourages researchers to combine different perspectives, approaches, and methods to achieve meaningful insights. Navigating such rich diversity can pose challenges that can benefit from ongoing, critical self-reflection. This article introduces the concept of cultural humility in the context of mixed methods research. We aim to enhance understanding of how cultural humility can foster awareness and encourage constructive critique of assumptions, policies, and practices in the field of mixed methods research. This article serves as a foundational resource for mixed methods researchers, practitioners, and scholars to embrace cultural humility in the field. We close with a set of prompts to spark critical self-reflection and dialogue within the field.

The relationship between literacy and mathematics is poorly understood. Existing theoretical frameworks, such as disciplinary literacy and mathematical discourse, do not carefully account for the uniqueness and ubiquity of symbolic mathematics in curriculum. Symbolic mathematics, the writing system of mathematics, is so unique that its symbols and conventions are not addressed in language arts classrooms. It is so ubiquitous in mathematics classrooms that discourse revolves around it. This chapter introduces Symbolic Mathematics Language Literacy (SMaLL) as a framework to conceptualize reading and writing using the symbols and syntax of mathematics. Also, it presents a mixed methods study that highlights how variations in SMaLL can be experienced among adolescents. The study used mixed methods spectrum analysis to explore the range of cognitive and metacognitive variations in students’ reading of symbolic mathematics (i.e, $\sqrt{x}$) in isolation and within expository text. Cognitive reactions to reading symbolic mathematics were measured quantitatively using an orthographic error-detection task. Metacognitive strategies for reading symbolic mathematics were elicited using qualitative interviews. The theoretical discussion of SMaLL exposes implicit literacy-for-mathematics demands in learning standards and offers researchers a useful framework for investigating them. The empirical findings provide educators pedagogical knowledge about the spectrum of SMaLL among adolescents.Keywords Disciplinary literacy Mathematics curriculum Mathematical discourse Mixed methods Symbolic mathematics

In the explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, methods-level integration occurs between quantitative and qualitative phases. In typical use of this design, statistical findings alone may inform the qualitative phase. However, in studies that apply a participatory approach in the second phase, this can be a missed opportunity to incorporate participant perspectives. This Research Note presents the integration of quantitative and qualitative survey results from phase one of an explanatory sequential study using a joint display, which is then used to inform the development of qualitative data collection prompts. This strategy contributes to the field of mixed-methods research by detailing the process for undertaking building integration to inform an explanatory sequential study’s second participatory qualitative phase.

Purpose: To describe the scope and nature of health concerns, functional impairments, and quality of life issues among adults with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted by surveying two social media networks of adults with BPBI using a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions regarding the role of BPBI on ones' health, function, and quality of life. Closed-ended responses were compared across ages and genders. Open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed to expand upon the close-ended responses. Results: Surveys were completed by 183 respondents (83% female, age range 20-87 years). BPBI was reported to impact hand and arm use in 80% of participants (including affected and unaffected limbs and bimanual tasks), overall health in 60% (predominantly pain), activity participation in 79% (predominantly activities of daily living and leisure), life roles in 76% (predominantly occupation and parenting), and overall quality of life in 73% (predominantly self-esteem, relationships, and appearance). Significantly more females than males reported other medical conditions and an impact on hand and arm use and life roles. No other responses varied by age or gender. Conclusions: BPBI affects many facets of health related quality of life in adulthood with variability among affected individuals.