Of methods and methodology

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore what the term “methodology” might be taken to mean. It uses an aphorism by Howard Becker as a springboard for examining the nature of methodology, arguing that Becker's view of methodology was misleading.Design/methodology/approachThere are two components. First, “insider” account of research findings concerning the nature of mixed methods research is presented. These findings derive from a content analysis of articles based on mixed methods research and from interviews with mixed methods researchers. Second, the paper examines the paradox that qualitative research is often viewed as generating interesting findings but that qualitative researchers frequently feel that they experience difficulty in placing qualitative articles in mainstream journals.FindingsThe findings from the mixed methods study demonstrate that mixed methods research is often rationalized in a different way from how it is actually employed.Research limitations/implicationsThe second part of the paper should be extended so that a more comprehensive analysis of publication patterns can be carried out.Originality/valueThere are relatively few examinations of what we mean by “methodology.” The paper tries to move these considerations forward by arguing that methodology is about the examination of “methodic practice.”