Realism and pragmatism in a mixed methods study

ALLMARK, Peter and MACHACZEK, Katarzyna (2018). Realism and pragmatism in a mixed methods study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74 (6), 1301-1309.

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Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.135...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13523

Abstract

Aim - A discussion of how adopting a Realist rather than Pragmatist methodology affects the conduct of mixed methods research. Background - Mixed methods approaches are now extensively employed in nursing and other health care research. At the same time, realist methodology is increasingly used as philosophical underpinning of research in these areas. However, the standard philosophical underpinning of mixed methods research is Pragmatism, which is generally considered incompatible or at least at odds with Realism. This paper argues that Realism can be used as the basis of mixed methods research and that doing so carries advantages over using Pragmatism. A mixed method study into patient handover reports is used to illustrate how Realism affected its design and how it would have differed had a Pragmatist approach been taken. Design - Discussion Paper. Data sources - Philosophers Index; Google Scholar. Implications for nursing - those undertaking mixed methods research should consider the use of Realist methodology with the addition of some insights from Pragmatism to do with the start and end points of enquiry. Conclusion - Realism is a plausible alternative methodology for those undertaking mixed methods studies.

Item Type: Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Centre for Health and Social Care Research
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Health and Well-being > Department of Nursing and Midwifery
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13523
Page Range: 1301-1309
Depositing User: Jill Hazard
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2018 09:56
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 06:34
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/18205

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