Learning from Attempts to Improve Schooling: The Contribution of Methodological Diversity

Abstract

Education research is an interdisciplinary effort long characterized by methodological diversity. Why, then, do we hear an urgent call for mixed methods now? Apparently, a recent shift in the applied research agenda has fostered concern that methodological pluralism is at risk. In this article, the author argues that (a) a focus on evaluating the effects of instructional interventions is entirely appropriate given current policy dilemmas; (b) randomized experiments are the gold standard for assessing these effects; but (c) the success of the effort depends on a well-integrated, methodologically diverse research effort. He sketches how diverse methods might be combined and how a healthy scientific community might collaborate to generate adequate funding to support this vital enterprise.