Did how we learn affect what we learn?

Abstract

This article explores the question of “did how we learn affect what we learn in social science?” through a case study of economic development research. Total dependence on a single method can be a dangerous practice as the method may dictate research findings and make it impossible to eliminate the rival hypothesis of methodological bias. When the multimethod approach is preferred, a mechanical application of multiple methods will not make it better than a single method approach. Using the case of state and local economic development studies, this article illustrates the promise of multimethod research and the danger of its misuse. Poor implementation of the approach can create equally misleading findings and a false sense of confidence in our theories. Among other factors identified in the article, a major key to its successful implementation is having researchers well trained in multiple methods.