Critical dialectical pluralism as a transformative multidimensional metaparadigm and metaphilosophy for mixed methods research

Critical Dialectical Pluralism (CDP), a mixed methods research-based metaparadigm and metaphilosophy that hinges on a synthesis of diverse methodological and philosophical perspectives, substantially has influenced mixed methods research. The core tenets of CDP—social justice, inclusion, diversity, equity, and social responsibility (i.e., SIDES)—which represent the five pillars of CDP, intricately are woven into each phase of the research process, from conceptualization to dissemination, promoting an egalitarian approach that values participant empowerment and ethical considerations. After discussing the fundamentals of mixed methods research-based philosophies and addressing their respective assumptions and stances, we address how CDP redefines traditional roles within research by engaging participants as co-researchers and transforming researchers into facilitators, thereby democratizing the research process, enriching the data collection and analysis stages, and ensuring that findings are both methodologically robust and culturally pertinent. Through its application in various research settings, CDP has demonstrated significant contributions to the fields of psychology, education, health, and social sciences, among others. It has enabled researchers to tackle complex and multifaceted issues by employing mixed methods research approaches grounded in ethical practices and aimed at fostering positive social change. Therefore, CDP stands out as a critical framework for contemporary research endeavors that seek to transcend traditional academic boundaries and to make a tangible impact on society. This article highlights the pivotal role of CDP in advancing mixed methods research and underscores its potential for shaping future research paradigms/philosophies.