Is Mixed Methods Research Used in Australian Career Development Research?

Abstract

Mixed methods research has become a substantive and growing methodological force that is growing in popularity within the human and social sciences. This article reports the findings of a study that has systematically reviewed articles from the Australian Journal of Career Development from 2004 to 2009. The aim of the study was to provide a methodological map of the career development research reported through this academic journal and, in particular, the use of mixed methods research. A multi-strand conversion mixed model research design was employed for the study. The results were compared to similar research conducted in related discipline areas (psychology, school psychology and vocational education and training) to place the field of career development along the Creswell and Plano Clark (2007) framework for evaluating the level of acceptance of mixed methods research within disciplines.