The Qualitative Imperative: Searching for Positionality and Reflexivity in Mixed-Methods Grounded Theory Studies

• In Event: Mixed-Methods Research: Systematic Methodological Reviews

Abstract

Mixed methods research blends the strengths of qualitative and quantitative approaches while attending to the drawbacks of each. Acknowledging potential influences of personal contexts—including reflexivity and positionality—is a hallmark of qualitative research, but is largely absent from quantitative studies and manifests in a range of articulations in mixed research. This study coded 20 mixed methods-grounded theory articles for evidence of personal contexts and generated additional research questions regarding the extent to which such articles contain information pertinent to researchers’ personal contexts, as well as how, where, and why this information could be included. The paper concludes with recommendations about positionality and reflexivity to extend and enrich the 2016 task force report of the Mixed Methods International Research Association.

Author

• Eileen Boswell, University of Nebraska - Omaha