Data analysis
The present study employs content analysis. It is compiled to
disseminate information and guide future research, by systematically
examining written materials and grouping them with certain criteria
(Berelson, 1952). The concepts of content analysis, meta-analysis, and
meta-synthesis are used interchangeably, and approaches with the same
structure are defined with different concepts. However, the distinction
can be easily made. The use of quantitative data according to certain
principles in content analysis indicates meta-analysis, and the use of
qualitative data indicates meta-synthesis (Dinçer, 2018). The present
study prefers content analysis because it examines the reflection of the
pragmatism features of the articles using mixed research methods
published in the field of science education.
In the beginning, we identified 37 criteria covering all phases of an
academic study. It includes abstract, keywords, introduction, method,
findings, conclusion and discussion, and recommendations (Table 2).
While creating criteria, we have examined studies on the definition and
characteristics of pragmatism, its contributions to mixed research, the
reflection of philosophy on research, and its importance (Christ, 2013;
Creswell & Creswell, 2017; Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Leavy, 2017;
Morgan, 2007; Palinkas et al., 2011; Shannon-Baker, 2016; Tashakkori &
Teddlie, 1989).
Table 2. Criteria for pragmatism