multimetodologici

Multimetodologici, or multimetodological approaches, are research designs that deliberately employ multiple methods and methodological perspectives within a single study. The aim is to study a phenomenon from several angles, increasing the breadth and depth of evidence and enabling cross-validation of findings.

Multimetodological work often blends qualitative and quantitative techniques, but it can also integrate diverse qualitative methods, different theoretical lenses, or multiple data collection instruments. The emphasis is on purposeful integration of methods at design, data collection, and analysis stages to produce a coherent, triangulated understanding of the research question.

Designs can be sequential, concurrent, or transformative. In sequential designs, methods are applied in stages to build on prior results. In concurrent designs, multiple methods are used in parallel with later integration. Transformative designs may align methodological choices with a guiding theoretical or social justice framework. Across these setups, integration occurs through techniques such as triangulation, convergence of results, or mixed-methods synthesis at the interpretation phase.

Advantages of multimetodologici include richer data, stronger construct validity through triangulation, and the capacity to address complex or multifaceted questions. Challenges involve greater resource needs, higher complexity in planning and analysis, potential conflicts between methodological paradigms, and the need for clear strategies to integrate diverse data.

The approach is applied across fields such as social sciences, education, health research, and market studies, wherever a comprehensive, nuanced understanding of a phenomenon is needed. Examples include studies combining surveys, interviews, and document analysis to examine policy impact, or mixing experiments with ethnographic observation to explore behavior in real-world settings.