Policy, Scientifically Based Research, and Randomized Control Trials: “The Gold Standard”?

• In Event: Mixed Methods: Policy, Practice, Strategies, and Critical Stances

Abstract

This paper address three controversial issues related to Mixed Methods research and policy. First, ‘Scientific Based Research’ promoted by “NCLB” reinforces diametrically opposed paradigmatic views and research methodologies. As policy, NCLB prioritizes specific methodologies prescribing what counts as scientific evidence. Second, from a critical stance, federal policies shape and control decisions that funding agencies make regarding methodologies (RCT-gold Standard). Third, top down policies are currently framed in postpositivist ontological and epistemological conceptions and should include constructivist, critical, transformative and emancipatory paradigms supporting alternative methodologies. This paper challenges current practices of prioritizing specific research methodologies used to evaluate interventions. As an alternative, logical purpose statements and research questions should be the standard used to guide decisions about appropriate methodologies and procedures.

Author

• Thomas W. Christ, University of Bridgeport