I believe that the discussion brought up by Jean is very relevant. Mixed methods are undoubtedly a powerful strategy for addressing an evaluation object from different angles, and it is almost a standard practice in most evaluation Terms of Reference (TDRs) that are currently seen, whether for UN agencies or others.
However, I agree that sometimes the term becomes a cliché and is used without considering whether a mixed methods strategy is genuinely the most appropriate. It is assumed that different techniques (typically Key Informant Interviews and surveys) will provide complementary information, but there is often not a clear idea from the commissioners on how this information will be integrated and triangulated. In my view, successful cases occur when the integration process is well-defined or when methods are applied sequentially (e.g., conducting focus groups to define survey questions or selecting cases based on a survey for in-depth interviews).
Furthermore, I understand that with current technological developments, mixed methods have new potentialities. It's no longer just the typical combination of Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with surveys; instead, it can include big data analysis using machine learning, sentiment analysis, and more.
RE: How are mixed methods used in programme evaluation?
Dear Colleagues:
Greetings from Uruguay!
I believe that the discussion brought up by Jean is very relevant. Mixed methods are undoubtedly a powerful strategy for addressing an evaluation object from different angles, and it is almost a standard practice in most evaluation Terms of Reference (TDRs) that are currently seen, whether for UN agencies or others.
However, I agree that sometimes the term becomes a cliché and is used without considering whether a mixed methods strategy is genuinely the most appropriate. It is assumed that different techniques (typically Key Informant Interviews and surveys) will provide complementary information, but there is often not a clear idea from the commissioners on how this information will be integrated and triangulated. In my view, successful cases occur when the integration process is well-defined or when methods are applied sequentially (e.g., conducting focus groups to define survey questions or selecting cases based on a survey for in-depth interviews).
Furthermore, I understand that with current technological developments, mixed methods have new potentialities. It's no longer just the typical combination of Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions with surveys; instead, it can include big data analysis using machine learning, sentiment analysis, and more.