Paradigm-Independent Meta-Criteria for Social & Behavioural Research

Abstract

In this paper, I flesh out a network of inter-related meta-criteria for evaluating the quality, coherence and value of social and behavioural science research, independent of the paradigm(s) guiding the research. The network emerges, in part, from principles of complexity science and considerations of multimethodology. I argue that the ultimate test of research quality and contribution lies in its power to convince those who stand to be influenced by it. 'Convincingness' emerges from the confluence of the research act and the telling of the story about that act and therefore forms the central meta-criterion to be satisfied. Judgments of 'Convincingness' are influenced by a set of 12 inter-connected meta-criteria, each targeting an aspect of research act or story. The network is displayed in both matrix and mindmap formats to assist researchers and reviewers in its application. The network is explicitly designed to move researchers' thinking beyond the boundaries of specific research traditions of paradigms and their localised assumptions and definitions of research 'validity'. I argue that focused consideration of the meta-criteria can greatly assist both the planning and the evaluation of social and behavioural science research.