Extending the use of references to the literature: Lessons from a content analysis of mixed method case exemplars. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Creamer, Elizabeth G.; Musaeus, Peter; Edwards, Cherie
• Is Part Of: International journal of educational research. Volume 89(2018)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Mixed methods -- Educational research -- Academic writing -- Reporting practices -- Literature reviews -- Inferences; Education -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; Curriculum evaluation -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Program Evaluation -- Periodicals; Éducation -- Évaluation -- Périodiques; Programmes d'études -- Evaluation -- Périodiques; Éducation -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Curriculum evaluation; Education -- Evaluation; Periodicals; 370.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2017.07.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0883-0355

Abstract

Highlights: In a scholarly article, the purpose of references to the literature extends beyond establishing the need for a study and its potential contribution. In discussing results, references help to warrant interpretive statements about the implications and significance of the research. Linking a speculative inference with the literature is a way to build the credibility and coherence of the argument presented. Abstract: The role of references to the literature in a scholarly publication is conceived principally in terms of its foundational role in establishing the need for a study and framing its contribution. This methodological inquiry used content analysis to examine how authors of mixed methods exemplars deployed references to the literature in the discussion section of their manuscripts. These authors also deployed references to literature in the discussion section to support statements about the implications and significance of the research or to explain unexpected findings. Immersion in a broad range of relevant literature may be particularly important in mixed methods research where a strong emergent strand often introduces heightens awareness that a phenomenon is more complex than initially conceived.