Greene's Mixed Methods in Social Inquiry

My professor and advisory committee member Joe Maxwell recommended Jennifer Greene's Mixed Methods in Social Inquiry (2007). He's using it as the text for his mixed methods course. It is giving me a lot to think about. I've read the first 3 chapters while riding Metro to and from work. And I am choosing reading it over a great Jody Piccault novel or knitting during that time, so you know I am liking Greene's book!

In Chapter 1, Greene writes about mental models, which she defines as "...the set of assumptions, understandings, predispositions and values and beliefs with which all social inquirers approach their work." (p. 12). Sounds much like a definition of culture. Mental models, Greene writes shape how we choose what to study, and how we frame, design and implement a particular study.

Making this often implicit set of influences explicit allows you to consciously examine and question your thinking as you develop your study and allows others to understand those influences on your study. (my comment).

Jeree Pawl, a child psychologist and infant mental health specialist comments that "how you are is as important as what you do." This ideas expresses that infant/family professionals' attitudes, beliefs, values, and personhood are communicated to those they provide services to and are as important to the success of their interventions as are the strategies, techniques and interventions they use. It also references the idea that how you go about building a genuine connection with another human being is as critical as is the application of your knowledge and professional skill.

The idea of mental models in social inquiry seems to me to connect to Pawl's notion. How you are as a researcher influences your study as much as what you do.