A Performative Paradigm for Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

This article introduces a performative paradigm for mixed methods research based on Andrew Pickering’s performative view of research. This paradigm is compared with three existing mixed methods paradigms: the dialectic stance, critical realism, and pragmatism. The performative paradigm assumes the existence of multiple realities that can be known in various ways. In a research inquiry, researchers create new, unknown worlds, which they subsequently investigate. Through research, an ever-higher degree of objectivity is obtained in successive “mangles,” rounds of feedback, in which the researcher listens to the created world’s feedback and adapts his or her research models accordingly. Across and within research inquiries, many and various kinds of mangles can be combined, including mangles qualitative and mangles quantitative in nature.