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Quality criteria under methodological pluralism: implications for conducting and evaluating research
1Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London, England. c.barker@ucl.ac.uk
American Journal of Community Psychology
|May 25, 2005
Summary
This study clarifies methodological pluralism in community psychology research. It offers practical criteria for appraising research and conducting mixed-methods studies for robust community insights.
Area of Science:
- Community Psychology
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Community psychologists often adopt methodological pluralism.
- The practical application of this orientation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the practical implications of methodological pluralism for community research.
- To propose criteria for appraising research within a pluralistic framework.
- To outline approaches for conducting pluralistic community research.
Main Methods:
- Development of appraisal criteria for all research, community psychology values, quantitative research, and qualitative research.
- Exploration of conducting pluralistic research at single-study, research program, and field-wide levels.
Main Results:
- Four sets of appraisal criteria are proposed.
- Three levels of conducting pluralistic research are identified: within-study integration, program-level diversity, and field-wide pluralism.
Conclusions:
- Methodological pluralism offers a practical framework for community psychology research.
- Clear criteria and multi-level approaches enhance the rigor and scope of community research.