Impactful Drama: Using Mixed Methods Approaches for the Evaluation of Drama in Science

Abstract

Mixed methods are particularly appropriate for drama science educational research because they combine the respective strengths of scientific and social inquiry. This is important for a field that is at times regarded with scepticism but could be instrumental in addressing the decline in interest in science. In this chapter I explore how mixed methods are currently employed in this field, by describing and evaluating the design methodologies used. A detailed case study of the use of mixed methods in drama-based biology education is provided. The aim is to provide applied examples of these design methodologies, whilst highlighting gaps and opportunities that exist for this area of research. The prevalent approach is the convergent mixed methods design, where methods are applied separately and integrated subsequent to analysis. The sequential approach, where there is inter-dependence between methods, was also used in a limited number of examples to deepen and extend the investigative inquiry.