Toward Holism: The Significance of Methodological Pluralism

Résumé

In this article, we make a case for achieving comprehensive understanding by using multiple methods in a research program. We argue that used alone, qualitative methods are not holistic, but actively provide segmented perspective on a research problem. We illustrate this concern using three types of data. The limitations of individual methods used alone can be systematically overcome with investigators increasing methodology skill and developing research program.