The Ideas of Emancipator Theory of Transformative Design in Mixed Methods Research Design

The Ideas of Emancipator Theory of Transformative Design in Mixed Methods Research Design

Introduction

Besides quality and credibility of the data and information used for the research, the selection of appropriate research model or paradigm is also very important. A paradigm or a model can simply be defined as the standards or believes followed and accepted worldwide in order to guide the research in an appropriate direction. The two basic models or paradigms that a researcher needs to choose from include Qualitative or Quantitative models or paradigms. For several decades, there were constant debates and arguments regarding which method is superior and more accurate. The disputes and arguments continued until the introduction of a research design commonly known as Mixed Method Research Design. This research design was than standardized and brought peace to the paradigmatic wars.

Discussion

There exist a total of three positions mixed methods that can be adapted by the researchers to support their research. These include a-paradigmatic stance, multiple paradigm stances and single paradigm stance (Cresswell, 2009). The Single Paradigm is further categorized into Pragmatism that offers researchers to choose the more suitable philosophical approach for their researches. The other used stance is commonly known as transformative paradigm or stance. The Transformative methods are further classified into Narrative, Action, art-based and Emancipatory approach.

Proposed by Mertens in the year 2003, the transformative - emancipatory paradigms are the most essential paradigm for the mixed methods research. The paradigm emphasizes and focuses centrally on the lives and various experiences of all the possible marginalized groups that include ethnic minorities, women, racial minorities, members of the lesbian and gay communities, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and individuals who are poor. However, the emphasize of the applications of this paradigm is limited ...