Realism and Pragmatism in a mixed methods study.

AIM: A discussion of how adopting a Realist rather than Pragmatist methodology affects the conduct of mixed methods research.

BACKGROUND: Mixed methods approaches are now extensively employed in nursing and other healthcare research. At the same time, realist methodology is increasingly used as philosophical underpinning of research in these areas. However, the standard philosophical underpinning of mixed methods research is Pragmatism, which is generally considered incompatible or at least at odds with Realism. This paper argues that Realism can be used as the basis of mixed methods research and that doing so carries advantages over using Pragmatism. A mixed method study into patient handover reports is used to illustrate how Realism affected its design and how it would have differed had a Pragmatist approach been taken.

DESIGN: Discussion Paper.

DATA SOURCES: Philosophers Index; Google Scholar.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Those undertaking mixed methods research should consider the use of Realist methodology with the addition of some insights from Pragmatism to do with the start and end points of enquiry.

CONCLUSION: Realism is a plausible alternative methodology for those undertaking mixed methods studies.