Pragmatism Research Philosophy
Pragmatism is a research philosophy that focuses on practical solutions, real-world outcomes, and answering the research question in the most effective way possible. Rather than committing to a single philosophical position, pragmatism allows researchers to use qualitative methods, quantitative methods, or a combination of both, depending on what best addresses the research problem.
On this page:
- What is Pragmatism Research Philosophy?
- Core Principles of Pragmatism
- Pragmatism vs Positivism vs Interpretivism
- Research Methods in Pragmatism
- Advantages and Limitations
- Pragmatism in the Age of AI and Digital Research
- When to Use Pragmatism Research Philosophy
| Philosophy | Research Approach | View of Reality | Role of Values | Typical Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Positivism | Deductive | Objective | Value-free | Quantitative |
| Interpretivism | Inductive | Subjective | Value-laden | Qualitative |
| Pragmatism | Deductive and/or inductive | Objective and subjective | Practical and flexible | Mixed methods |
Research phisolophies at a glance (comparison table)
What is Pragmatism Research Philosophy?
Pragmatism research philosophy is a research approach that focuses on practical outcomes and problem-solving, allowing researchers to combine qualitative and quantitative methods based on what works best for the research question.
Pragmatism research philosophy accepts concepts to be relevant only if they support action. Pragmatics “recognise that there are many different ways of interpreting the world and undertaking research, that no single point of view can ever give the entire picture and that there may be multiple realities”[1]
Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the practical consequences of ideas. In the context of research, it suggests that the best research methods are those that are most useful and effective in solving particular research problems. Pragmatism focuses on selecting the methods that work best for answering the research question rather than following a single philosophical position.
Pragmatism focuses on what works best to answer the research question. Pragmatists ask:
“Which method will best solve this research problem?”
Complex research problems rarely fit neatly into one methodology.
The Dudovskiy AI Research Assistant can help you combine qualitative and quantitative methods in a way that is academically defensible and aligned with your research objectives.
Core Principles of Pragmatism
The following are core tenets of pragmatism research philosophy:
1. Practicality. Pragmatism emphasizes the practical consequences of ideas and actions. In research, this means that pragmatic researchers are concerned with conducting research that is useful and can be applied to solve real-world problems.
2. Flexibility. It is a flexible approach to research that does not adhere to a single set of methods. Pragmatic researchers are willing to use a variety of methods, both quantitative and qualitative, depending on the specifics of the research question.
3. Context. It also emphasizes the importance of context in research. This means that pragmatic researchers consider the specific circumstances of the research problem when choosing methods and interpreting results.
4. Process. Pragmatism views research as an ongoing process of inquiry. This means that pragmatic researchers are open to modifying their research methods and interpretations as they gather more data and insights.
Pragmatism vs Positivism vs Interpretivism
Positivism and interpretivism are two extreme mutually exclusive paradigms about the nature and sources of knowledge. Many dissertation topics fall broadly within one of these two main paradigms. At the same time, there is an occasional need for seasoned researchers to “modify their philosophical assumptions over time and move to a new position on the continuum”.[2] The modified philosophical assumptions are adapted by pragmatic researchers, who usually happen to be experienced researchers.
According to pragmatism research philosophy, research question is the most important determinant of the research philosophy. Pragmatics can combine both, positivist and interpretivism positions within the scope of a single research according to the nature of the research question.
As it is illustrated in the table below, unlike positivism and interpretivism research philosophies, pragmatism research philosophy can integrate more than one research approaches and research strategies within the same study. Moreover, studies with pragmatism research philosophy can integrate the use of multiple research methods such as qualitative, quantitative and action research methods.
| Research approach | Ontology | Axiology | Research strategy | |
| Positivism | Deductive | Objective | Value-free | Quantitative |
| Interpretivism | Inductive | Subjective | Biased | Qualitative |
| Pragmatism | Deductive/Inductive | Objective or subjective | Value-free/biased | Qualitative and/or quantitative |
Positivism, interpretivism and epistemologies[3]
Research Methods in Pragmatism
Pragmatist management researchers can be compared to architects. In the same way architects use whatever materials and methods needed to build the building they schemed in paper, pragmatists use whatever combination of methods necessary to find answers to research questions. At the same time, it has to be noted that pragmatists do not have to use multiple methods; rather they use method or combination of methods that advances a specific research in the best possible manner.
Pragmatic studies commonly use:
- Quantitative methods (e.g. surveys, statistical analysis)
- Qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, observation)
- Mixed methods designs
- Action research approaches
Advantages and Limitations
The main advantage of pragmatism is flexibility. Researchers are not restricted by rigid philosophical boundaries and can adapt their methods to suit the research problem. Another noteworthy advantages is its suitability for complex real-world issues. Many contemporary business problems involve both measurable outcomes and human experiences, making pragmatism particularly effective.
Pragmatism also supports mixed-method research, allowing researchers to combine the strengths of qualitative and quantitative approaches while reducing their individual weaknesses. This often results in richer and more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
At the same time, pragmatism is sometimes criticised for lacking clear philosophical consistency. Because researchers can combine different approaches, critics argue that pragmatic studies may occasionally lack strong theoretical foundations.
Methodological complexity also belongs to pragmatism limitations. Designing and conducting mixed-method research often requires additional time, resources, and expertise. Researchers must also ensure that different methods are integrated logically and consistently throughout the study. Despite these challenges, pragmatism remains one of the most widely used philosophies in applied business research because of its practical orientation and adaptability.
Pragmatism in the Age of AI and Digital Research
Pragmatism has become increasingly relevant in the age of AI, big data, and digital transformation because modern business problems rarely fit neatly within a single methodological approach.
Contemporary organisations generate large volumes of quantitative data through customer analytics, website traffic, financial performance indicators, AI-driven behavioural tracking systems, and digital business platforms. At the same time, understanding these phenomena often requires qualitative insights into employee experiences, customer perceptions, organisational culture, leadership behaviour, and ethical concerns related to AI.
As a result, many modern business studies combine quantitative analysis with qualitative interpretation in order to develop more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. For example, a study investigating the impact of artificial intelligence on employee productivity may analyse performance metrics while also conducting interviews to understand employee concerns, expectations, and experiences.
This reflects the central principle of pragmatism: selecting the methods that best answer the research question regardless of traditional methodological boundaries.
AI technologies are also encouraging researchers to integrate multiple forms of evidence more frequently. Researchers may combine survey findings, interview transcripts, social media data, AI-generated analytics, and organisational performance data within a single study. Pragmatism provides a philosophical framework that supports this flexibility while maintaining focus on practical outcomes.
Not sure whether your dissertation should use qualitative methods, quantitative methods, or both?
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When to Use Pragmatism Research Philosophy
Pragmatism is most suitable when your topic requires flexibility and practical problem-solving.
You should use pragmatism if:
- your study requires both qualitative and quantitative data
- the research problem is complex and multi-dimensional
- practical outcomes are important
- flexibility in research design is required
- you are conducting mixed-method research
- no single method can fully answer the research question
In simple terms:
Use pragmatism when you want to use whatever methods work best to answer your research question.
Still unsure whether pragmatism is the right choice for your research?
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[1] Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited
[2] Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2014) “Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students” 4th edition, Palgrave Macmillan, p.54
[3] Source: Wilson, J. (2010) “Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to Doing Your Research Project” SAGE Publications
John Dudovskiy