Purists need not apply: the case for pragmatism in mixed methods research

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Mixed-methods research integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Understanding foundational paradigms is crucial for effective mixed-methods design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate diverse methodologies for conducting mixed-methods research.
• To examine the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative research.
• To introduce loosely coupled systems as a framework for mixed-methods studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of classical pragmatism in research.
• Conceptualization of loosely coupled systems for mixed-methods research.
• Discussion of various mixed-methods research designs.

Main Results:

• Identified multiple approaches to mixed-methods research design.
• Highlighted the role of pragmatism in mixed-methods inquiry.
• Proposed loosely coupled systems as a supportive structure for mixed-methods research.

Conclusions:

• Mixed-methods research offers flexibility in knowledge generation.
• Pragmatism provides a philosophical basis for integrating diverse methods.
• Loosely coupled systems present a novel, albeit cautionary, approach for future mixed-methods research.