Pragmatism, Factor Analysis, and the Conditional Incompatibility Thesis in Mixed Methods Research. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hathcoat, John D.; Meixner, Cara
• Is Part Of: Journal of mixed methods research. Volume 11:Number 4(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 433
• Page End: 449
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: pragmatism -- incompatibility -- conditional incompatibility -- mixed methods research -- incommensurability -- latent variables; Mixed methods research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Research -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 507.21
• DOI: 10.1177/1558689815622114
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-6898

Abstract

This article advances the conditional incompatibility thesis, which when left unaddressed, poses challenges to the pragmatic maxim as a guiding framework for mixed methods research. The conditional incompatibility thesis stands in opposition to two claims, the first pertaining to the position that incompatibility can be avoided by adherence to a "whatever-works" maxim. Also questioned is the claim that quantitative and qualitative data are inherently incompatible. Arguing that there are conditions under which incompatibility occurs, we illustrate within the context of latent variable modeling how particular techniques, methods, and/or decisions fail to be philosophically neutral. Offered are methods through which researchers can be more mindful of, and thus transparent about, the influence of philosophical perspectives in their work.