Mixed Methods When Researching Sensitive Topics

Abstract

This chapter expands on choices in mixed methods, ranging from qualitative- to quantitative-driven mixed methods research in the context of emotionally loaded and sensitive topics. Dr Sally Cook explains stages within a qualitative mixed methods approach combining Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, Psychology and Health 11:261-71, 1996) and Ethnography to explore the meaning survivors of torture ascribe to using a second language in their healing journey. Dr Louise Rolland describes how combining a web survey with interviews enabled her to unpack the initial, quantitative findings regarding multilingual clients’ language use, revealing rich associations between languages, emotions and identity. Professor Dewaele and Dr Costa add a meta-perspective on methodological choices-as earlier supervisors and mentors and based on their well-established authority in the field of multilingual therapy and mixed methods research.