The Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixing Methods: An Analysis of Combining Traditional and Autoethnographic Approaches

Abstract

Although mixed- and multiple-method research designs are currently gaining momentum and popularity, it is essential that researchers undertake a critical analysis of the process of mixing "mainstream" research designs with newer methods before commencing. In ethnography, not only are there multiple approaches to data collection, but each approach also spans the competing paradigms, thus making the term mainstream ambiguous because these mainstream techniques are reasonably different from one another. When critically appraising the combination of ethnography and autoethnography, researchers must evaluate paradigmatic philosophies and methods of inquiry for commensurability and delineate the advantages and disadvantages of combining methods as they relate to each paradigm. The author's goal in this article is to demarcate the methodologies of both ethnography and autoethnography and then to identify the (dis)advantages that might arise from undertaking multiple-method and/or mixed-method research that uses these approaches concurrently.

A decade of research on Muslim entrepreneurship

“…It is appreciating that now more and more papers on the topic and which have used a mixed approach are getting published. A mixed approach further validates the results and increases the generalizability of the study (Malina et al , 2011; O’Byrne, 2007). Overall, the research on Muslim entrepreneurship has still not reached a stage of conversion where it is possible to draw concrete implications for a larger population.…”

A decade of research on Muslim entrepreneurship

“…It is appreciating that now more and more papers on the topic and which have used a mixed approach are getting published. A mixed approach further validates the results and increases the generalizability of the study (Malina et al , 2011; O’Byrne, 2007). Overall, the research on Muslim entrepreneurship has still not reached a stage of conversion where it is possible to draw concrete implications for a larger population.…”

Population Health and Social Governance

“…Considered in another way, ethnography can be considered a research method that enables in-depth data collection about the specific cultures that do not, in whatever way, correspond with the ideals, standards, and/or values of the hegemonic group. It is a research approach which, regardless of one's paradigmatic perspective, generates the information that is needed to design health-related interventions that realign the practices and beliefs of the members of a group with the overarching idea about the importance and imperative of health (O'Byrne, 2007). From this perspective, ethnography has become a disciplinary and bio-political tool.…”

Navigating a Middle Ground - Exploring Health Professionals’ Experiences and Perceptions of Providing Rehabilitation in Outdoor Community Settings

“…Ethnography has long debated the emic and etic binary (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007; O’Byrne, 2007). The first author occupied an outsider researcher position, as an anthropologist observing and participating in rehabilitation practice fields (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007).…”

A decade of research on Muslim entrepreneurship

“…It is appreciating that now more and more papers on the topic and which have used a mixed approach are getting published. A mixed approach further validates the results and increases the generalizability of the study (Malina et al , 2011; O’Byrne, 2007). Overall, the research on Muslim entrepreneurship has still not reached a stage of conversion where it is possible to draw concrete implications for a larger population.…”

Population Health and Social Governance

“…Considered in another way, ethnography can be considered a research method that enables in-depth data collection about the specific cultures that do not, in whatever way, correspond with the ideals, standards, and/or values of the hegemonic group. It is a research approach which, regardless of one's paradigmatic perspective, generates the information that is needed to design health-related interventions that realign the practices and beliefs of the members of a group with the overarching idea about the importance and imperative of health (O'Byrne, 2007). From this perspective, ethnography has become a disciplinary and bio-political tool.…”

Navigating a Middle Ground - Exploring Health Professionals’ Experiences and Perceptions of Providing Rehabilitation in Outdoor Community Settings

“…Ethnography has long debated the emic and etic binary (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007; O’Byrne, 2007). The first author occupied an outsider researcher position, as an anthropologist observing and participating in rehabilitation practice fields (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007).…”

A decade of research on Muslim entrepreneurship

“…It is appreciating that now more and more papers on the topic and which have used a mixed approach are getting published. A mixed approach further validates the results and increases the generalizability of the study (Malina et al , 2011; O’Byrne, 2007). Overall, the research on Muslim entrepreneurship has still not reached a stage of conversion where it is possible to draw concrete implications for a larger population.…”

Population Health and Social Governance

“…Considered in another way, ethnography can be considered a research method that enables in-depth data collection about the specific cultures that do not, in whatever way, correspond with the ideals, standards, and/or values of the hegemonic group. It is a research approach which, regardless of one's paradigmatic perspective, generates the information that is needed to design health-related interventions that realign the practices and beliefs of the members of a group with the overarching idea about the importance and imperative of health (O'Byrne, 2007). From this perspective, ethnography has become a disciplinary and bio-political tool.…”

Navigating a Middle Ground - Exploring Health Professionals’ Experiences and Perceptions of Providing Rehabilitation in Outdoor Community Settings

“…Ethnography has long debated the emic and etic binary (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007; O’Byrne, 2007). The first author occupied an outsider researcher position, as an anthropologist observing and participating in rehabilitation practice fields (Hammersley & Atkinson, 2007).…”