oa Mosenodi - Research notes and abstracts

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative research paradigms differ in assumptions about the nature of the world. This difference has implications for research goals and investigative procedures for each of these research methodologies. Nevertheless, some researchers feel that these two methodologies can and should be integrated in one single research project. The proponents of paradigm integration claim that weaknesses inherent in one paradigm could be compensated by strengths in the other paradigm. Among several purposes for mixed-methodology designs, is triangulation and in particular methodological triangulation that seeks convergence of results from different methods and strategies. This paper r argues that across-paradigms triangulation cannot satisfy the criterion of convergence. It does so by addressing (1) the issue of assumptions about the nature of the world, and (2) the influence of the research question on choosing a method for a research project. Examples of research questions from qualitative and quantitative studies are given as an illustration.