2nd LCSS PhD Methodology Conference 2014: Mixed Methods in Social Sciences

2nd LCSS PhD Methodology Conference 2014 on Mixed Methods in Social Sciences provides an opportunity for PhD students and recent graduates from a range of disciplines to share and discuss mixed methodologies they employ in their research and the challenges they encountered in every step of their research. The aim is, thus, to provide the opportunity for researchers to debate and reflect on their methodological choices, and to consider alternative methods, approaches tools and sources. We encourage submissions on mixed methods research (MMR) from any social science discipline, on interdisciplinary approaches and on innovative research methodologies.

Methodological choices: What are the challenges in choosing appropriate research methodologies? How do methodological choices influence the formulation of research questions and research design? What are the key challenges in identifying the type of research methodology and the ways of overcoming these challenges? Is there any concomitant reason to choose MMR in a research design?

Advantages and Disadvantages of MMR: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Mixed Methods in a range of disciplinary contexts? In what type of research settings do these methodological tools provide most useful outcomes? Under what conditions should MMR be preferred instead of qualitative or quantitative research methods?

Methodological dominance: What is the dominant methodology adopted in your field and in the study of specific cases? Is there scope for considering the introduction of Mixed Methods in your field?

Data analysis: How is it possible to integrate or triangulate quantitative and qualitative findings in MMR? In which ways do quantitative and qualitative research methods complement each other?

Ethical issues: What are the types of ethical issues involved in MMR? What ethical issues are important to consider when adopting MMR?

Presentation of research outcomes: What are the ways of facilitating implementation of research outcomes in the wider literature and among policy-makers? How can you ensure that your research reaches the wider public? What strategies have you employed; and what challenges have you faced whilst trying to create an impact’?

The final program for the conference will include keynote speeches and special professional development workshops alongside a number of PhD panels and poster presentations.

Please send any enquiries to the conference administrator at

phdconference@socialstudies.org.uk