Developing mixed methods research in sport and exercise psychology: Critical reflections on five points of controversy

Abstract

ObjectivesTo stimulate debate in sport and exercise psychology about the nature of mixed methods research as currently practiced and how this approach might develop in the future. DesignAn exploration of five points of controversy relating to mixed methods research. MethodA presentation of critical reflections on the following. (1) Mixing methods as a non-debate, (2) Purists, pragmatists and mixing paradigms, (3) Integrating findings and representational forms, (4) Judgment criteria and mixed methods research, and (5) Power, politics and what counts in mixed methods research. ResultsThe examples provided of mixed methods research in action indicate that a number of problematic issues regarding both process and product have been neglected. ConclusionsMixed methods research offers a number of conceptual, practical and pedagogical challenges that need to be addressed if this form of inquiry is to develop its full potential in sport and exercise psychology.