From distinguished scholar Donna M. Mertens, this book provides a framework for making methodological decisions and conducting research and evaluations that promote social justice. The transformative paradigm has emerged fromand guidesa broad range of social and behavioral science research projects with communities that have been pushed to the margins, such as ethnic, racial, and sexual minority group members and children and adults with disabilities. Mertens shows how to formulate research questions based on community needs, develop researchercommunity partnerships grounded in trust and respect, and skillfully apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection strategies. Practical aspects of analyzing and reporting results are addressed, and numerous sample studies are presented. Student- and Instructors-Friendly Features Include:*Commentary on the sample studies that explains what makes them transformative.*Explanations of key concepts related to oppression, social justice, and the role of research and evaluation.*Questions for Thought to stimulate critical self-reflection and discussion.*Advance chapter organizers and chapter summaries.

From distinguished scholar Donna M. Mertens, this book provides a framework for making methodological decisions and conducting research and evaluations that promote social justice. The transformative paradigm has emerged from—and guides—a broad range of social and behavioral science research projects with communities that have been pushed to the margins, such as ethnic, racial, and sexual minority group members and children and adults with disabilities. Mertens shows how to formulate research questions based on community needs, develop researcher–community partnerships grounded in trust and respect, and skillfully apply quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection strategies. Practical aspects of analyzing and reporting results are addressed, and numerous sample studies are presented.  Student- and Instructors-Friendly Features Include:*Commentary on the sample studies that explains what makes them transformative.*Explanations of key concepts related to oppression, social justice, and the role of research and evaluation.*Questions for Thought to stimulate critical self-reflection and discussion.*Advance chapter organizers and chapter summaries.

IntroductionThe Intersection of Applied Social Research and Program EvaluationParadigmsRationale for the Transformative ParadigmBreadth of Transformative Paradigm Applicability1. Resilience, Resistance, and Complexities That Challenge In This ChapterHuman Rights AgendaThe Transformative Paradigm as a Metaphysical UmbrellaNeed for Transformative Research and EvaluationExamples of Transformative Research and EvaluationExamples of Shifting ParadigmsNeed for the Transformative Paradigm and Scholarly LiteratureNeed for the Transformative Paradigm and Public PolicyComplexities That ChallengeEthical ImpetusStriving for Improved ValiditySummary2. The Transformative Paradigm: Basic Beliefs and Commensurate Theories In This ChapterParadigms and Basic Belief SystemsThe Transformative Paradigm and Its Basic Belief SystemsTheories Commensurate with the Transformative ParadigmPolitics and PowerSummary3. Self, Partnerships, and RelationshipsIn This ChapterHuman Relations as Factors Contributing to Research Validity and RigorKnowing YourselfKnowing Yourself in Relation to the CommunityCultural CompetenceStrategies for Developing Relationships/PartnershipsTypes of Partnerships/RelationshipsChallenges in Relationships/PartnershipsRecognizing the Complexity of Culturally Competent WorkPurposes of PartnershipsExamples of Points of Interaction in the Research ProcessBuilding CapacitySummary4. Developing the Focus of Research/Evaluation StudiesIn This ChapterPurposes for the Gathering of Information at This Stage of the InquirySources That Support the Need for Research and EvaluationTheoretical FrameworksMaking Use of SourcesSummary5. A Transformative Research and Evaluation Model In This ChapterCyclical Models: Indigenous PeoplesCyclical Model: PARCyclical Models: Immigrant CommunitiesShort-Term Research and EvaluationTypes of Transformative Research and EvaluationTransformative Intervention ApproachesSummary6. Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods In This ChapterMixed- and Multiple-Methods ApproachesCase StudiesEthnographyPhenomenology Participatory Action ResearchAppreciative InquiryExperimental and Quasi-Experimental DesignsSurvey Design and Correlational and Causal-Comparative StudiesGender Analysis: A Mixed-Methods Approach with Potential Transfer to OtherGroups That Experience DiscriminationRigor in the Process of Research and EvaluationSummary7. Participants: Identification, Sampling, Consent, and ReciprocityIn This ChapterSocial Justice: Dimensions of Diversity and Cultural CompetenceRationale for Sampling StrategiesRecruitment of ParticipantsProtection of Human Participants and Ethical Review BoardsSummary8. Data-Collection Methods, Instruments, and StrategiesIn This ChapterReliability and Validity/Dependability and CredibilityLanguage as a Critical IssuePlanning Data-Collection StrategiesSpecific Data-Collection StrategiesSummary9. Data Analysis and InterpretationIn This ChapterTransformative Theories as Guides to Data Analysis and InterpretationInvolving the Community in Analysis and Interpretation