ABSTRACT
This chapter frames methodological pluralism as both a theoretical and practical imperative. It argues that quantitative rigor and qualitative depth should not be treated as competing paradigms, but as complementary strategies for understanding complex, technology-mediated social phenomena. By situating mixed-methods research within contemporary debates on pragmatism, triangulation, and computational innovation, the volume emphasizes integration as a pathway to enhanced validity, interpretive richness, and scholarly robustness. The structure of the volume is presented as a progressive journey – from foundational paradigms and research design principles to data collection, analytical strategies, triangulation, and academic rigor in the digital age. Particular attention is devoted to methodological innovation, including big-data analytics, digital ethnography, AI-assisted research processes, and the ethical implications of working with digitally generated data.
