Multi-methodology research and democratization studies: intellectual bridges among islands of specialization

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article offers an assessment of recent research employing multi-methodology approaches, both of the triangulation and integrative varieties, in the field of democratization studies. I argue that the major contribution of multi-methodology research (MMR) to the field is to bring into dialogue different research traditions. Because different scholarly communities tend to converge around specific methodologies, the tendency is for scholarship to become fragmented. Within this context, works employing MMR act as “intellectual bridges” bringing into dialogue research from the different traditions. This is a significant contribution in that it enhances the collaborative nature of scholarship without compromising methodological rigor for the field at large. Problems of incommensurability, uneven use of methodologies, and general analytical messiness still plague applications of MMR. However, despite these problems (and in some cases because of them), MMR works are able to speak to more diverse audiences. Thus, while single-methodology research (SMR) still accounts for the bulk of scholarship in the field, MMR also serves an important role in the advancement of scholarly ideas and debate.