Critical Race Mixed Methodology

Abstract

The use of mixed methods research has seen considerable growth in education. In addition, as racism-related issues continue to increase and are more recognized in schools, Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become frequently utilized. Because both mixed methods and CRT have gained popularity in education research, their combination is inevitable. As such, the purpose of this chapter is to discuss the combining of CRT and mixed methods research using as an example a study on African American college students’ experiences with racial microaggressions. In the study, the research team uses CRT to help frame the explanatory sequential mixed methods design (QUANT → qual), including the creation of the research questions, the instrumentation, data collection, and data analysis. In the chapter, we explain our approach to combining CRT and mixed methods research, as well as the steps we take in maintaining the fidelity of the mixed methods design/analysis process while adhering to a critical race theory framework.