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Pragmatism: An Essential Philosophy for Mixed Methods Research in Education

Author

Listed:
  • Buyisani Dube

    (Department of Educational Administration, Leadership and Management, BA ISAGO, University, Botswana,)

  • Duduzile Nkomo

    (Department of Special Education, Psychology, and Guidance and Counselling, BA ISAGO, University, Botswana)

  • Mpho Apadile-Thokweng

    (Department of Student Welfare and Support Services, BA ISAGO University)

Abstract

Pragmatism stands out as an innovative philosophy guiding actions to address nagging social situations. This is a belief and stance that falls within the positivist and constructivist continuum and adopts practical strategies to mitigate dysfunctional circumstances in human livelihood. This desktop study is a focused discussion of epistemological, ontological and methodological foundations of pragmatism. The study interrogates the concept of pragmatism and its connection to notions of knowledge, meaning, and truth. As a research paradigm, pragmatism views knowledge as an objective reality that exists in the world but that such reality can only be realized through human experience. The philosophical basis of pragmatism is also discussed in the study, which considers human experience to be central in informing actions that are key in addressing challenges in a systematic manner. Furthermore, the methodological challenges of pragmatism and a critical review of pragmatism, are provided in an endeavour to optimize the use of pragmatism in educational research.

Suggested Citation

  • Buyisani Dube & Duduzile Nkomo & Mpho Apadile-Thokweng, 2024. "Pragmatism: An Essential Philosophy for Mixed Methods Research in Education," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(3), pages 1001-1010, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:8:y:2024:i:3:p:1001-1010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Max Baker & Stefan Schaltegger, 2015. "Pragmatism and new directions in social and environmental accountability research," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 28(2), pages 263-294, February.
    2. Göran Goldkuhl, 2012. "Pragmatism vs interpretivism in qualitative information systems research," European Journal of Information Systems, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(2), pages 135-146, March.
    3. Heba Maarouf, 2019. "Pragmatism as a Supportive Paradigm for the Mixed Research Approach: Conceptualizing the Ontological, Epistemological, and Axiological Stances of Pragmatism," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(9), pages 1-12, September.
    4. Vibha Kaushik & Christine A. Walsh, 2019. "Pragmatism as a Research Paradigm and Its Implications for Social Work Research," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-17, September.
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