Collaboration is a crucial aspect of research, especially in the social sciences where multiple perspectives and methods are often needed to fully understand complex phenomena. However, collaborating across different paradigms can be challenging, as each paradigm brings its own set of assumptions, values, and methods. In order to bridge these differences and create meaningful collaborations, it is important to embed culture in mixed methods designs. This was the focus of Sage’s recent webinar, “How to Collaborate Across Paradigms: Embedding Culture in Mixed Methods Designs,” part of their series on How to Do Research.
The webinar was led by Dr. Maria K. W. Yuen, an associate professor at the University of San Francisco and an expert in mixed methods research. Dr. Yuen began by highlighting the importance of culture in research, stating that it is not just a variable to be controlled, but a crucial aspect that shapes the research process and outcomes. She emphasized that culture is not just limited to ethnicity or nationality, but also includes other factors such as gender, age, and social class.
Dr. Yuen then delved into the concept of paradigms, explaining that they are a set of beliefs and assumptions that guide the research process. She highlighted two dominant paradigms in social science research – positivism and constructivism – and how they differ in their ontological, epistemological, and methodological assumptions. While positivism focuses on objective reality and uses quantitative methods, constructivism acknowledges multiple realities and uses qualitative methods.
The challenge arises when researchers from different paradigms come together to collaborate. Dr. Yuen pointed out that often, researchers from different paradigms have difficulty understanding each other’s perspectives and may even dismiss each other’s methods as invalid. This can lead to conflicts and hinder the progress of the research.
To overcome these challenges, Dr. Yuen suggested embedding culture in mixed methods designs. This involves acknowledging and valuing the cultural differences between researchers and incorporating them into the research process. She outlined three key steps to achieve this:
1. Building a shared understanding: The first step is to build a shared understanding of each other’s paradigms and methods. This can be achieved through open and respectful communication, where researchers listen to each other’s perspectives without judgment. It is important to recognize that there is no one “right” way to do research and that different paradigms have their own strengths and limitations.
2. Negotiating a common ground: The next step is to negotiate a common ground where both paradigms can coexist and complement each other. This involves identifying the research questions and objectives that can be addressed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Dr. Yuen emphasized the importance of being flexible and open-minded during this process.
3. Integrating methods: The final step is to integrate the methods in a way that is meaningful and respectful of both paradigms. This can be achieved through triangulation, where data from different methods are compared and contrasted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Dr. Yuen also highlighted the importance of reflexivity, where researchers critically reflect on their own biases and how they may influence the research process.
Dr. Yuen then provided examples of successful collaborations across paradigms, such as a study on the impact of social media on mental health, which used both quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a holistic understanding. She also shared her own experience of collaborating with a colleague from a different paradigm, where they were able to successfully integrate their methods and produce a rich and nuanced understanding of their research topic.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where participants raised important questions about power dynamics, ethical considerations, and the role of culture in research. Dr. Yuen emphasized the need for ongoing communication and reflexivity to address these issues and ensure a collaborative and ethical research process.
In conclusion, the webinar on “How to Collaborate Across Paradigms: Embedding Culture in Mixed Methods Designs” provided valuable insights and practical strategies for researchers looking to collaborate across paradigms. By acknowledging and valuing cultural differences, building a shared understanding, negotiating a common ground, and integrating methods, researchers can create meaningful collaborations that enrich their research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. As Dr. Yuen aptly stated, “Collaboration is not about agreeing, it’s about understanding.” Let us strive to understand and appreciate each other’s perspectives, and in doing so, create impactful and culturally sensitive research.