Addressing the Catch-22 of Using Mixed Methods in Behavior Disorders Intervention Research

Abstract

Limited emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD)–focused intervention mixed methods research (MMR) has been published, particularly in top-tier EBD journals (i.e., Behavior Disorders and Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders). The lack of published MMR creates what could be perceived as a Catch-22 situation wherein those who conduct EBD intervention research are not encouraged to conduct MMR because they do not see published examples in the journals that they read. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the routine use of MMR should be considered and suggest why doing so is a worthwhile endeavor. An overview of potential barriers to conducting intervention MMR in the field of EBD is provided. Examples of the use of MMR with Functional Behavior Analysis and Multi-tiered Systems of Support for students with Tier 2 needs are discussed. Details regarding the use of a mixed methods profile analysis to understand treatment successes and challenges are provided. Our hope is that this article will inspire EBD researchers to consider MMR as they develop interventions for children with EBD.