title: Purists need not apply: the case for pragmatism in mixed methods research.
abstract: The purpose of this column is to describe several different ways of conducting mixed method research. The paradigms that underpin both qualitative and quantitative research are also considered along with a cursory review of classical pragmatism as it relates conducting mixed methods studies. Finally, the idea of loosely coupled systems as a means to support mixed methods studies is proposed along with several caveats to researchers who desire to use this new way of obtaining knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Saint Xavier University Florczak@sxu.edu.
authors.forename: Kristine L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Florczak
mesh_terms: D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*
keywords: loosely coupled systems; mixed methods research; paradigms; pragmatism