Title: On mixed methods research and pluralism in economics

Authors: Ioana Negru

Addresses: Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania

Abstract: Modern economics tends to be dominated by the use of econometrics, mathematical and statistical techniques, that are quantitative in nature. This paper aims to investigate the potential that mixed methods research and mixed data research have for economics as an entirely 'different type of methodology'. Economics, as a scientific discipline, is built upon various ontological and epistemological presuppositions, but practising economists seldom theorise and analyse them systematically. Whilst mainstream economics use predominantly quantitative methodologies, heterodox economists employ a variety of methods and methodologies including a qualitative framework or a combine/integration. I argue that research pursued by both mainstream and heterodox economists would benefit from more openness towards methods and methodologies coming from all corners of natural and social sciences and from a clear awareness of how, when, and why we combine and integrate methods at various stages of the research process.

Keywords: pluralism; mixed methods; qualitative research; quantitative research; triangulation; economics; Tony Lawson; Fred Lee.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2023.138582

International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, 2023 Vol.14 No.3/4, pp.203 - 218

Received: 14 Nov 2023
Accepted: 12 Jan 2024
Published online: 13 May 2024 *

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