Mixed Methods Examples

This page presents examples of Mixed Methods research designs for sustainability research. The following texts are summaries of research proposals that were contributed by the credited students of M.Sc. (Global) Sustainability Science for the 2021 class "Research Methods in Sustainability Science."

Providing healthy and affordable food at universities

by Lauren Anderson, Elena Kortmann, Chantal Krumm, Elias Schiafone

This research proposal revolves around the problem of providing affordable, yet healthy and sustainable food at university cafeterias in Germany and the US. The suggested idea here is to, first, conduct a questionnaire with 60 first semester university students at two universities, each, based on which the participants will be grouped according to their financial resources, which are of interest to this study. Then, students take part in four six-week long project phases, in which they are asked to document in a digital diary their food consumption and review their experience with one of three rotating interventions, as well as their initial behavioral patterns. The interventions either include meal vouchers for vegan or vegetarian meals at dining halls; educational sessions on health, sustainability and affordable nutrition as well as cooking classes; and engagement with a newly set up greenhouse. After going through all four phases, participants are asked to rank all interventions in a questionnaire. All diary and questionnaire data is analyzed qualitative and quantitatively, and suitable recommendations are developed for both universities based on the insights.

Protecting the Sierras Nevadas in Argentina

by Chantal Krumm, Magdalena Nordmeyer, Sabina Davletkildeeva, Luna Prince

This research proposal investigates the potential of volunteer tree planting in the Sierras Grandes in Argentina. To do so, it is proposed to establish a local science center in order to co-develop a future scenario with local stakeholders and subsequently ensure its long-term and inclusive implementation. In a first step, a literature review and ethnographic observationEthnography of local actors are conducted to get an initial overview on the study area and field. Then, in semi-structured interviewsSemi-structured Interview, relevant stakeholders shall be identified, which shall be invited to four scenario planningScenario Planning workshop. Here, with a focus on inclusive and collaborative development of the region, four scenarios are constructed, one of which is selected as the baseline for future activitites. First measures, with a focus on volunteer tree planting, shall be implemented and evaluated as a baseline for future plans.

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The author of this page is Christopher Franz, based on the research proposals by the credited students.