Designing Mixed Methods Studies to Contribute to Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Abstract

The severity of wicked problems, manifest in climate disasters, a global pandemic, and an increasing gap between rich and poor heightens awareness of the need for researchers to support an increase in social, economic, and environmental justice. Perhaps it is not immediately obvious how library and information scientists can play a role in addressing such problems. However, access to information, criteria to judge the quality of information, and inclusion of the voices of marginalized and vulnerable populations fall within the realm of responsibilities for these disciplines. Transformative mixed methods designs have the potential to support the identification of culturally responsive solutions. In this chapter, a transformative framework is presented that prioritizes addressing issues of justice and supporting transformative change. This framework is then illustrated by examples of mixed methods studies that could be designed to contribute to increased justice in these disciplines.