Multimethodology

The author of the following Wikipedia article discusses research in the social sciences. Multimethodology is more commonly known as mixed methods research. Mingers, the author cited below, specializes in operations research, where the term 'multimethodology' appears to be more widely used than in other branches of social science.

In broad terms, the methods that are mixed in this type of research are quantitative (sometimes referred to as "hard") and qualitative (sometimes referred to as "soft") approaches.

Table of contents

1 Multimethodology: Towards a Framework For Mixing Methodologies 1..1 Desirability 1..2 Feasibility 1.1 Framework 1.2 Conclusion

Multimethodology: Towards a Framework For Mixing Methodologies

This is a summary of the seminal paper of the same title by Mingers and Brocklesby (1997).

Desirability

The author makes a case for multimethodology as a strategy for intervention or research. The desirability stems from 4 observations:

1. The world is multidimensional, a single research paradigm gives a limited view, there is always virtue in looking through another dimension
2. There are phases/stages in any intervention (or research project) and methodologies have particular strenghts w.r.t these phases. Matching the methodology to the phase can make ... [???] Using more than one should [be?] more effective. It is more effective to match the methodology to the phase
3. Many existing practices combine methodologies to solve particluar problems yet they have not been theorised.
4. Multimethodology fits well with postmodernism

Feasibility

The author then addresses some of the problems, namely:

1. Many paradigms are at odds with each other. This can pose a problem but once the understanding of the difference or dichotomy is present, it can be an advantage to see many sides.
2. Cultural issues affect our view of the world and our ability to analyse it. Our backgounds tend to dictate and bias our views. Knowledge of the new paradigm is not enough to overcome these biases, it must be learned through practice and experienced.
3. People have cognitive abilities that predispose them to particular paradigms. The logical thinker can more easily understand and use the hard methodologies. It is aasier to move from hard to soft and not the reverse.

Framework

Conclusion

Multimethodology is desirable and feasible because it gives a more complete view and because the requirement during the different phases of the intervention (or research project) make very specific demands on a general methodology. While it is demanding, it is more effective to choose the right tool for the job at hand

External links:

mixed methods [1]