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58388-01 - Course: Mixed Methods Research (5 CP)
| Semester | fall semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Irregular |
| Lecturers | Manfred Max Bergman (max.bergman@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course examines when, why, and how to combine qualitative and quantitative components within a single, coherent research design. The first part addresses foundational questions of research design, including the theoretical assumptions that underpin mixed methods approaches and the epistemological justifications for integrating different ways of knowing. The second and third parts examine qualitative and quantitative components with particular attention to strategies for integration, joint displays, and sampling decisions specific to mixed methods research. The fourth part turns to practical challenges researchers commonly encounter, alongside strategies for presenting and publishing mixed methods work in academic and applied contexts. Throughout, participants are encouraged to develop a critical and reflective orientation toward methodological choices rather than treating mixed methods as a default or a technical fix. |
| Learning objectives | - critically evaluate the assumptions and limitations that shape how qualitative and quantitative research are conventionally framed and reported in academic literature - identify and assess the opportunities and challenges associated with mixed methods research designs, including questions of integration, validity, and interpretive coherence - construct a coherent, basic mixed methods research proposal or project, including a clear rationale, a sampling strategy, and an integration plan, and present it at the conclusion of the workshop - develop informed judgements about when a mixed methods design adds value to a research question - understand how mixed methods applications could play a role in transdisciplinary research and implementation science |
| Bibliography | Bergman (2008). Advances in mixed methods research. SAGE. Bergman (2010). The politics, fashions, and conventions of research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research. Bergman (2020). Mixed Method and Multimethod Research and Design. In Berg-Schlosser, D., Badie, B., & Morlino, L. (Eds.), The SAGE Handbook of Political Science. SAGE. Fetters, M. The Mixed Methods Research Workbook. SAGE. |
| Comments | This course will be held in English. |
| Admission requirements | Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative methods. |
| Language of instruction | German |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Course auditors welcome |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block | See individual dates | ||
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 21.09.2026 | 10.15-16.00 | Alte Universität, Besprechung 003 |
| Tuesday 22.09.2026 | 10.15-16.00 | Alte Universität, Besprechung 003 |
| Wednesday 23.09.2026 | 10.15-12.00 | Exercise in small groups |
| Wednesday 23.09.2026 | 12.15-16.00 | Alte Universität, Besprechung 003 |
| Thursday 24.09.2026 | 10.15-16.00 | Alte Universität, Besprechung 003 |
| Friday 25.09.2026 | 10.15-16.00 | Alte Universität, Besprechung 003 |
| Modules |
Doktorat Soziologie: Empfehlungen (PhD subject: Sociology) Modul: Digital Humanities, Culture and Society (Master's degree subject: Digital Humanities) Modul: Methoden der Soziologie und der Gesellschaftswissenschaften: qualitativ (Master's degree subject: Sociology (Start of studies before 01.08.2026)) Modul: Methoden der Soziologie und der Gesellschaftswissenschaften: quantitativ (Master's degree subject: Sociology (Start of studies before 01.08.2026)) Module: Extension Social Sciences (Master's degree subject: Political Science – Inequality, Power, Conflict) Module: Methods (Master's degree subject: Sociology) Module: Methods for Analyzing Changing Societies (Master's degree program: Changing Societies: Migration – Conflicts – Resources (Start of studies before 01.08.2026)) Module: Methods in Near & Middle Eastern Studies and in the Social Sciences (Master's degree subject: Near & Middle Eastern Studies) Module: Research Skills (Master's degree program: African Studies) Module: Societal Approaches (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | Pass-fail based on active participation, assignments, and presentation. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Soziologie |