Pragmatism and Methodology : Doing Research That Matters with Mixed Methods

Designed for social scientists working with big data sets, this book maps out the cycle of research, from epistemology and ethical questions to data collection and analysis. It introduces a unique mixed methods approach by integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Taking a pragmatist approach to methods and methodology that fosters meaningful, impactful, and ethical research, this book rises to the challenge of today's data revolution. It shows how pragmatism can turn challenges, such as the abundance and accumulation of big qualitative data, into opportunities. The authors summarize the pragmatist approach to different aspects of research, from epistemology, theory, and questions to ethics, as well as data collection and analysis. The chapters outline and document a new type of mixed methods design called 'multi-resolution research,” which serves to overcome old divides between quantitative and qualitative methods. It is the ideal resource for students and researchers within the social and behavioural sciences seeking new ways to analyze large sets of qualitative data. This book is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.