title: A Trojan horse for positivism?: a critique of mixed methods research.
abstract: Mixed methods research is captured by a pragmatically inflected form of postpositivism. Although it passes for an alternative methodological movement that purports to breach the divide between qualitative and quantitative research, most mixed methods studies favor the forms of analysis and truth finding associated with positivism. We anticipate a move away from exploring more philosophical questions or undertaking modes of enquiry that challenge the status quo. At the same time, we recognize that mixed methods research offers particular strengths and that, although it serves as a Trojan Horse for positivism, it may productively carry other paradigmatic passengers.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand. Lynne.giddings@aut.ac.nz
authors.forename: Lynne S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Giddings
authors.forename: Barbara M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design