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Scientific-Based Research and Randomized Controlled Trials, the "Gold" Standard? Alternative Paradigms and Mixed Methodologies

Bibliographic Data

ID2385828
AuthorsThomas W Christ (University of Bridgeport, Hamden, CT, USA), Thomas Christ (corresponding author)
Year2014
Volume20
Issue1
Pages72-80
Publication date2014-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1077-8004 • E-ISSN: 1552-7565
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1077800413508523
OpenAlexW2154094419
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited40

This article addresses three controversial issues related to mixed methods research and policy. First, "Scientific-Based Research" promoted by "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) reinforces diametrically opposed paradigmatic views and research methodologies. As policy, NCLB prioritizes specific methodologies prescribing what counts as scientific evidence. Second, from a critical stance, federal policies shape and control decisions that funding agencies make regarding methodologies (Randomized Controlled Trials-Gold Standard). Third, top-down policies are currently framed in postpositivist ontological and epistemological conceptions and should include constructivist, critical, transformative, and emancipatory paradigms supporting alternative methodologies. This article challenges current practices of prioritizing specific research methodologies used to evaluate interventions. As an alternative, logical purpose statements and research questions should be the standard used to guide decisions about appropriate methodologies and procedures

Economics · Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Management science · Pedagogy · Sociology · Transformative learning · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Health Policy Implementation Science · Mental Health and Patient Involvement

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Unique citing works13
Citations per year1,18
Citation span2015 - 2026 (12)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 13
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