SOE Research Plan – Mixed
School of Education Research Plan
Mixed Methods Working Document – Sections 1, 2, 5
Section 1: Learner and Topic Information
1.1 Learner Information
Learner Name:
Learner Email:
Learner Phone number:
Mentor Name:
Mentor Email:
Mentor Phone Number:
Specialization:
Specialization Chair:
1.2 Proposed Dissertation Title
This is usually a statement based on the research question—short and to the point.
1.3 Research Topic
Describe the specific topic to be studied in a paragraph. (Be certain that the research question
relates to the topic.)
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SOE Research Plan – Mixed
1.4 Research Problem
Write a brief statement that fully describes the problem being addressed and foreshadow the
mixed methodology in your problem statement. Present this in one sentence or no more than
one clear concise paragraph.
1.5 Research Purpose
Write a brief statement that fully describes the intent of the study or the reason for conducting
the study. Make sure that purpose for both the qualitative and quantitative components of the
mixed method study are evident in the purpose statement.
1.6 Research Question(s)
What do you really want to know? The rest of this form derives from and should constantly be
guided by your research question. Always consider your research question in addressing all
following components of this design form.
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SOE Research Plan – Mixed
Qualitative: List the research question and any sub questions that the proposed study will
address. A qualitative study should be led by one open-ended question. Additional questions
can be added in the proposal.
Quantitative: List the research question and any sub questions that the proposed study will
address. Include hypotheses as appropriate.
1.7 Literature Review Section
Provide a brief overview of the theoretical/conceptual framework upon which your study is
based. Identify the seminal research and theories that inform your study. Discuss the topics
and themes that you will use to organize your literature review. Attach the most current list of
references with your Research Plan.
1.8 Need for the Study
Describe the need for the study. Provide a rationale or need for studying a particular issue or
phenomenon. Explain why mixed methodology is needed for your study. Describe how the
study is relevant to your specialization area.
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SOE Research Plan – Mixed
Section 2: Methodology
2.0 Methodology
Describe the mixed method design that you will use in your study. In your description, identify
the mixed method design and, if appropriate, the variant model. Describe the characteristics of
the design in relation to the timing of the qualitative and quantitative components, their weight,
and the decisions about mixing. Explain the rationale for using the mixed method design and
cite the references that explain the design.
Section 5: Methodology Details
5.1 Purpose of the Study
Describe the purpose of the study.
Why are you doing it? (The answer must be grounded in the literature in what has been done,
has not been done, or needs to be done.)
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SOE Research Plan – Mixed
State the research problem, the type of mixed method study that you will conduct, and the
purpose of the qualitative and quantitative components of the mixed method design. State the
research question and any sub questions for both the qualitative and quantitative components.
How will the methods to be used actually answer the research question?
5.2 Research Design
Describe the mixed method design that you will use in your study. In your description, identify
the mixed method design and, if appropriate, the variant model. Describe the characteristics of
the design in relation to the timing of the qualitative and quantitative components, their weight,
and the decisions about mixing. Explain the rationale for using the mixed method design and
cite the references that explain the design.
Start by specifically stating the type of mixed method approach you will use, include the exact
name or type of design to be used and describe the exact method(s) you will use to collect the
data for the two different components. Briefly describe how the study will be conducted.
5.3 Population and Sample
Quantitative: Describe the characteristics of the larger population from which the sample
(study participants) will be drawn. Next describe the sample that will participate in the study
and justify the sample size using a power analysis or some other justification supported in the
literature.
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SOE Research Plan – Mixed
Qualitative: Describe the characteristics of the larger population from which the sample
(study participants) will be drawn. Next describe the sample that will participate in the study
and the sample size. Justify the sample size with support from the literature.
Quantitative: Describe how you plan to select the sample. Be sure to list the name of the
specific sampling strategy you will use. Describe each of the steps from recruitment through
contact and screening to consenting to participate in the study. Provide enough detail so that
someone else would be able to follow this recipe to replicate the study.
Qualitative: Describe how you plan to select the sample. Be sure to list the name of the
specific sampling strategy you will use. Describe each of the steps from recruitment through
contact and screening to consenting to participate in the study.
References
Please include all of the references used in this research plan in APA 6th edition style and
formatting.
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