Combining stories and numbers: a methodologic approach for a critical nursing science

The critical paradigm is increasingly being recognized as an appropriate perspective for the development of nursing knowledge. While different research approaches including feminist, neo-Marxist, and participatory research have been described, all share the goals of empowerment, emancipation, and change. As a relatively new world-view for nursing, the concept of a critical nursing science faces much the same resistance as the interpretive paradigm did a decade ago. This article reviews the aims and assumptions of the critical paradigm; discusses the merits of combining stories and numbers for the agenda of change; and, using examples from our research, describes three strategies for combining stories and numbers in the critical paradigm.