Methodological pluralism

Methodological pluralism describes the use of different methods to solve a problem or describe an issue. In psychology, for example, this can involve the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the practical field of social work, different methodological approaches such as experiential education or systemic family counseling can be used side by side. Methodological pluralism involves finding value in a variety of sources of information, including believing that no research method is inherently superior to any other.

In the sense of medical pluralism, both basic approaches come into play; the term refers somewhat more frequently to the methods of gaining medical knowledge than to the plurality of medical practice. An example of this would be the relationship between methodological approaches such as cognition-based medicine (CBM) and evidence-based medicine (EBM).

Also see

• Medical pluralism
• Scientific pluralism
• Plurality of perspectives