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Communities of Practice: A Research Paradigm for the Mixed Methods Approach

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: md{at}dmu.ac.uk.

	Abstract

The mixed methods approach has emerged as a "third paradigm" for social research. It has developed a platform of ideas and practices that are credible and distinctive and that mark the approach out as a viable alternative to quantitative and qualitative paradigms. However, there are also a number of variations and inconsistencies within the mixed methods approach that should not be ignored. This article argues the need for a vision of research paradigm that accommodates such variations and inconsistencies. It is argued that the use of "communities of practice" as the basis for such a research paradigm is (a) consistent with the pragmatist underpinnings of the mixed methods approach, (b) accommodates a level of diversity, and (c) has good potential for understanding the methodological choices made by those conducting mixed methods research.

First published on April 8, 2008, doi:10.1177/1558689808316807

Journal of Mixed Methods Research 2008;2:270.

A more recent version of this article appeared on July 1, 2008


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