Analytical Pluralism in Qualitative Research: A Meta-Study

Abstract

2Recent interest in analytical pluralism -the application of more than one qualitative 3 analytical method to a single data set -has demonstrated its potential to produce multiple, 4 complex and varied understandings of phenomena. However tensions remain regarding the 5 commensurability of findings produced from diverse theoretical frameworks, the practical 6 application of multiple methods of analysis and the capacity of pluralism to contribute to 7 knowledge in psychology. This study addresses these issues, through a critical interpretation 8 of existing qualitative studies that utilised analytical pluralism. Using a meta-study design, 9we examined the use of theory, application of methods and production of findings in studies 10 that had adopted qualitative analytical pluralism. Following comprehensive database 11 searches, 10 articles were included in the analysis. Epistemological and ontological 12 considerations, the influence of decisions made in the practical application of pluralism and 13 approaches to interpreting findings produced from multiple analyses are discussed, and 14 implications for future research are considered. 15 16

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