Ravalier PhD Theis.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

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method philosophies” (Maxcy, 2003, pp. 52). On the simplest level, importance is weighted toward practical
considerations for pragmatic researchers, particularly when attempting to discover meaning and truth. Therefore
knowledge and research theories are judged on how well they work in practice (Dures et al., 2010). It advocates
mixed methods and “a needs-based contingency approach to research method and concept selection” (Johnson &
Onwuegbuzie, 2004, pp. 17). The most important consideration in pragmatic research therefore is on the
consequences and outcomes of research, more so even than the methodology taken. As such the ends of the
research justify the means utilised in order to get there (Doyle et al., 2009). Therefore the primary importance is
on the question asked rather than the methods used and on the use of multiple forms of data collection in order to
inform the problems under study. Therefore pragmatist research is pluralistic and orientated towards what works
in practice (Creswell & Clark, 2011).
Discussion Box 7: Mixed Methods & Pragmatism and the Current Study
Quantitative and qualitative research methods were conducted separately, although the results
of each are combined to address the research questions. The quantitative methods provided an
unbiased and reliable assessment of the general types of stressors individuals face in the
workplace as well as the impact that these stressors have. The qualitative elements provided a
more personal and in-depth analysis, together with a group of discussions as to what feasible
changes could be made to the organisation in order to improve working lives.
Pragmatism is a philosophy of research which emphasises the importance of the research
question when designing a project, with the emphasis less on directing the approach taken, thus
emphasising the use of mixed methods to come to an adequate answer. The methods chosen in
the presented study have been done so as they are effective and feasible methods to address
the questions at hand, while also encouraging full participation from as many interested parties