REFLECTIVE ANALYSIS OF A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH TO STUDY THE EXPERIENCES OF YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVING CARE IN ROMANIA

Written by Gabriela DIMA, Caroline SKEHILL on 12 December 2008. Posted in Special issue: Mixed Methods Research, Guest Editor: Adriana BĂBAN, Volume XII, Nr. 4

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to discuss the choice and challenges of a mixed-methods research design implied within a doctoral thesis on the experiences of young people leaving residential care in Romania, as a retrospective analysis leading to messages for further research in the field. Two exemplifications of research findings are provided: one where quantitative and qualitative data have complemented each other and one of contrasting results. These are offered to illustrate how integration of methods enhanced our understanding of care leaverï¿½s experiences. The paper concludes with reflections on the strengths and limitations of the chosen research design with particular emphasis on the relevance of this method to the context of the predominantly quantitative research tradition in social sciences and psychological studies in Romania.

KEYWORDS: mixed-methods, research design, leaving care.

PAGES: 369-388