'Fractal Heuristics' for Mixed Methods Research: Applying Abbott’s 'Fractal Distinctions' as a Conceptual Metaphor for Method Integration
| Autor: | Felix Knappertsbusch |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2019 |
| Předmět: |
Dialectic
Computer science Management science Multimethodology 05 social sciences 050401 social sciences methods 050301 education Conceptual metaphor Complementarity (physics) Field (computer science) Education Fractal 0504 sociology Statistics Probability and Uncertainty Heuristics 0503 education Social Sciences (miscellaneous) |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Mixed Methods Research. 14:456-472 |
| ISSN: | 1558-6901 1558-6898 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/1558689819893573 |
| Popis: | With the interest in advancing integration in the field of mixed methods research (MMR), researchers need powerful metaphors for conceiving and implementing mixing strategies. This article contributes to the field of MMR by showing how Abbott’s “fractal distinctions” provide a valuable heuristic for the application of method combinations as well as the methodological reflection of MMR. Based on its core notion, the “self-similarity” of methods approaches, I propose three heuristic guidelines: (a) deliberately seek out qualitative aspects in quantitative methods (and vice versa); (b) assume a nonessentialist, theory-oriented approach toward method integration; and (c) aim to reconcile rigor and innovation in empirical research. I discuss similarities between fractal heuristics and other conceptualizations of difference-within, including dialectical and feminist approaches to MMR. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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