An Ontology and Epistemology for Mixed Methods Research

• In Event: Intersecting Different Philosophies and Designs With Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

This paper presents an ontology and epistemology for mixed methods research. It assumes an ontology and epistemology that are both multiple, and thus “qualitative.” Above this, at a different level, resides the “quantitative” ability to arrive at objective statements. The critical-realist concept of an objective reality, which is unable to guide research inquiry, is replaced by that of the objective statement, which forms the basis for informed research decisions at the level of the population. Different roles for qualitative and quantitative research flow naturally from the two fundamental goals of research. Qualitative research is relevant for a detailed and rich description of the multiple realities, while quantitative research is relevant for taking informed decisions at the level of the population.

Author

• Judith Schoonenboom, University of Vienna