Mixed Methods

Abstract

The areas of inquiry in deliberative democracy are multifaceted and often call for methodological approaches that can grapple with complexity. Deliberative studies cover diverse foci, from individuals, groups, collectives, and networks, to artefacts, practices, processes, systems, and cultures. This chapter argues that mixed methods research (MMR) is well suited to investigating deliberative democracy, while also noting the limitations of this approach to social and political science. Mixing methods entails the integration of findings gleaned from qualitative and quantitative strands within a coherent research design. The chapter reviews methodological foundations and outlines questions and puzzles where mixed methods can contribute to deliberative scholarship. It also covers research design, data generation, analysis and quality standards, while offering examples that illustrate different types of research design and how they can be applied. The chapter concludes with a call to strengthen the mixed methods community of practice within the deliberative community of inquiry.