Investigating the Social World
SAGE Journal Articles
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Journal Article 1: Leech, N. L. (2012). Writing mixed research reports. American Behavioral Scientist, 56(6), 866–881.
Abstract: For many researchers, writing the research report is among the most difficult steps. When writing about a mixed methods research study, researchers have had little guidance for how to structure the manuscript. Thus, the purpose of this article is to present multiple approaches to reporting information from a mixed research study. Recommendations for mixed research writing from the extant literature are delineated, and 12 themes that were identified across these texts are presented. The multitude of approaches and organizational possibilities for the mixed research report are explored. Emphasis is placed on allowing the researcher to be creative in her or his presentation of a mixed methods research report.
Journal Article 2: Sternheimer, K. (2014). The mediated sociologist. Contexts, 13(2), 56–58.
Abstract: Sociologist Karen Sternheimer considers the opportunities and challenges of presenting sociological concepts in the news media, particularly when our ideas are edited or interpreted by others.
Journal Article 3: Kanouse, D. E, Spranca, M., & Vaiana, M. (2004). Reporting about health care quality: A guide to the galaxy. Health Promotion Practice, 5(3), 222–231.
Abstract: A review of research on the reporting of health care quality information and related fields in applied social and cognitive science led to identification of seven basic principles that should be followed when planning to report health care quality information to consumers or other audiences: (a) know the audience: who they are, what they care about, and what actions they can take; (b) identify constraints that limit what is feasible; (c) consider barriers and facilitators to achieving objectives; (d) identify specific behaviors to target for change, and prioritize objectives; (e) design a report that specifically incorporates priorities and reflects trade-offs; (f) develop a plan for promotion and dissemination from the beginning; and (g) build in ongoing testing and evaluation to identify successes and areas needing improvement. Case studies provide many examples of unsuccessful reporting efforts that might have succeeded had these guiding principles been followed.