Integrating Mixed Methods and Service-Learning in Undergraduate Education in Applied Research Methods: A Course Preparing Students to Address Complex Social Issues

This paper discusses the methods and outcomes of an undergraduate social science research methods class in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) at the University of Vermont (UVM). The course is required for all (approximately) 500 majors in this department. The paper reviews literature on experiential, service-learning (S-L) education, co-creation of knowledge, and mixed-methods research, arguing that the approaches prepare students to address wicked (complex social) problems. It then outlines the methods of the class and how these approaches are incorporated into class via a class research project with a community partner (CP). It presents the class’s publications, awards, and impacts. The Conclusions section focuses on strengths and limitations.