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