Description

The worldview matrix as a strategy when designing mixed methods research

THOMAS W CHRIST

University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, USA

Abstract

Researchers in the social sciences have seen a strong shift known as mixed methods. Despite the widespread utilization of mixed methods across disciplines, the field is evolving both as a methodology, and in terms of the methods used. Mixed methods advocates including Creswell, Collins, Greene, Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, Mertens, Morse, Tashakkori, Teddlie, and interpretive research advocates including Denzin, Flick, and Morgan have all cited pragmatism as the dominant paradigm in mixed methods research. Christ, Maxwell, and Lipscomb recently indicated that alternative paradigms also are viable and available. Considering how paradigms are used in the field of mixed methods research helps the field continue to grow. This paper addresses current discussions about alternatives to pragmatism including critical realism, and, then, presents a tool called the worldview matrix that is designed to assist researchers, methodology teachers, and students to clarify and to organize their mixed methods research designs.

Keywords: paradigm, critical realism, pragmatism, transformative, worldview matrix