Analytical Pluralism in Qualitative Research: A Meta-Study

Article


Clarke, Nicola J., Willis, M., Barnes, Jemima S., Caddick, Nick, Cromby, John, McDermott, Hilary and Wiltshire, Gareth 2014. Analytical Pluralism in Qualitative Research: A Meta-Study. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 12 (2), pp. 182-201. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2014.948980
AuthorsClarke, Nicola J., Willis, M., Barnes, Jemima S., Caddick, Nick, Cromby, John, McDermott, Hilary and Wiltshire, Gareth
Abstract

Recent interest in analytical pluralism—the application of more than one qualitative analytical method to a single data set—has demonstrated its potential to produce multiple, complex, and varied understandings of phenomena. However, tensions remain regarding the commensurability of findings produced from diverse theoretical frameworks, the practical application of multiple methods of analysis, and the capacity of pluralism to contribute to knowledge in psychology. This study addresses these issues through a critical interpretation of existing qualitative studies that utilized analytical pluralism. Using a meta-study design, we examined the use of theory, application of methods, and production of findings in studies that had adopted qualitative analytical pluralism. Following comprehensive database searches, ten articles were included in the analysis. Epistemological and ontological considerations, the influence of decisions made in the practical application of pluralism, and approaches to interpreting findings produced from multiple analyses are discussed, and implications for future research are considered.

Keywordsmethodology, multiple methods, pluralistic approach, polyvocal, psychology, qualitative data analysis, theory; multiple methods; multiple methods; pluralistic approach; polyvocal; psychology; qualitative data analysis; theory
JournalQualitative Research in Psychology
Journal citation12 (2), pp. 182-201
ISSN1478-0895
1478-0887
Year2014
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Accepted author manuscript
License
CC BY
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2014.948980
Publication dates
Print19 Aug 2014
Publication process dates
Deposited22 May 2017
Accepted19 Aug 2014
Copyright informationThis is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in Qualitative Research in Psychology on 19/08/2014, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14780887.2014.948980.
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