"Fractal Heuristics" for Mixed Methods Research: Applying Abbott's "Fractal Distinctions" as a Conceptual Metaphor for Method Integration. (October 2020)
- Record Type:
- Journal Article
- Title:
- "Fractal Heuristics" for Mixed Methods Research: Applying Abbott's "Fractal Distinctions" as a Conceptual Metaphor for Method Integration. (October 2020)
- Main Title:
- "Fractal Heuristics" for Mixed Methods Research: Applying Abbott's "Fractal Distinctions" as a Conceptual Metaphor for Method Integration
- Authors:
- Knappertsbusch, Felix
- Abstract:
- 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.
- Is Part Of:
- Journal of mixed methods research. Volume 14:Number 4(2020:Oct.)
- Journal:
- Journal of mixed methods research
- Issue:
- Volume 14:Number 4(2020:Oct.)
- Issue Display:
- Volume 14, Issue 4 (2020)
- Year:
- 2020
- Volume:
- 14
- Issue:
- 4
- Issue Sort Value:
- 2020-0014-0004-0000
- Page Start:
- 456
- Page End:
- 472
- Publication Date:
- 2020-10
- Subjects:
- fractals -- dialectic -- complementarity -- paradigm -- heuristics
Mixed methods research -- Periodicals
Social sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals
Research -- Evaluation -- Periodicals
507.21 - Journal URLs:
- http://journals.sagepub.com/home/mmr# ↗
http://mmr.sagepub.com ↗
http://www.sagepublications.com/ ↗ - DOI:
- 10.1177/1558689819893573 ↗
- Languages:
- English
- ISSNs:
- 1558-6898
- Deposit Type:
- Legaldeposit
- View Content:
- Available online (eLD content is only available in our Reading Rooms) ↗
- Physical Locations:
- British Library DSC - BLDSS-3PM
British Library HMNTS - ELD Digital store - Ingest File:
- 13820.xml