Description

Beyond multiple methods: Critical multiplism on all levels

JEAN-LUC PATRY

University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

Abstract

Mixed methods research traditionally has involved a focus on methods, particularly assessment (e.g., qualitative and quantitative methods). Parallel to mixed methods research, the concept of critical multiplism emerged, promoting rationally justified multiple approaches; mixed methods belong to the family of critical multiplism. Critical multiplism requires a theoretical underpinning to justify multiple approaches. Five levels of research-related statements are distinguished: Theory of science, object theory, methods, data analysis, and research ethics. Critical multiplism then is applied to the different levels. To illustrate these applications, the theory of situation specificity is first introduced, and then prototypical issues on the different levels (theory of science: the generality-concreteness antinomy; object theory: multiple theories; methods: validity using the multitrait–multimethod matrix; data analysis: relative vs. absolute situation specificity) are discussed. It is shown that the theory of situation specificity can serve as a theoretical base for critical multiplism and that it can help solve several problems that arise in research.

Keywords: critical multiplism, situation specificity, theory of science, methods, data analysis, complementarity