Overcoming methodological dogmatism in social sciences: Triangulation, multimethod, and mixed methods

Abstract

For the longest time, quantitative and qualitative methods have been considered opposing and mutually exclusive categories within the methodology of social science. This is best showcased by the conflicts arising between the proponents of these differing approaches - conflicts that are often characterized by an air of methodological dogmatism. The term ?methodological dogmatism? refers to the conviction of researchers in the superiority of their own approach, while delegitimizing any other. The main purpose of this paper is to outline the contemporary theoretical possibities of overcoming said dogmatism, and the three most prevalent approaches (triangulation, multimethod and mixed methods) will be presented accordingly. The goal is to identify the continuity of the ideas referring to the integration of qualitative and quantitative methodology, as well as to highlight the characterstics, advantages and drawbacks of each method. The paper concludes that the choice of method should be based on the nature of the research problem at hand, and that the combining of methods can serve as a useful tool for understanding and encompassing the full complexity of phenomena which are at the heart of social research.