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Threats to validity and reliability in mixed methods accounting research

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  • Eeva‐Mari Ihantola
  • Lili‐Anne Kihn

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the threats to quality in mixed methods accounting research, wherein quantitative and qualitative approaches are combined in data collection, analysis and interpretation. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is framed according to three perspectives. The authors first synthesize the threats to validity and reliability in quantitative and qualitative parts of mixed methods research using the quality standards of each; they then introduce an integrative framework of mixed methods research quality by Teddlie and Tashakkori. Thereafter, they address the specific threats to quality that come to the fore when inferences from the quantitative and qualitative components of the study are combined to form meta‐inferences using a legitimation framework by Onwuegbuzie and Johnson. Findings - The authors' analysis not only indicates a wide range of threats to the validity and reliability of mixed methods research in a range of categories, but also clarifies how the three perspectives described in this paper are linked and supplement each other. Research limitations/implications - Methodological research published in English over the last decade is emphasized to create an approach to assess mixed methods accounting research. The frameworks analyzed could still be studied in greater detail. Additional perspectives on the validity and reliability of mixed methods research could also be studied and developed. Practical implications - This paper furthers our understanding of such new developments in methodological research, which may be of great importance to those conducting or evaluating empirical research. Originality/value - Based on a comprehensive synthesis, this paper presents and analyzes theoretical frameworks potentially useful for scholars, students and practitioners. It focuses on both traditional and novel areas of validity and reliability in mixed methods research.

Suggested Citation

  • Eeva‐Mari Ihantola & Lili‐Anne Kihn, 2011. "Threats to validity and reliability in mixed methods accounting research," Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 8(1), pages 39-58, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:qrampp:v:8:y:2011:i:1:p:39-58
    DOI: 10.1108/11766091111124694
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ahrens, Thomas & Chapman, Christopher S., 2006. "Doing qualitative field research in management accounting: Positioning data to contribute to theory," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 31(8), pages 819-841, November.
    2. Isabelle Huault & V. Perret & S. Charreire-Petit, 2007. "Management," Post-Print halshs-00337676, HAL.
    3. Anthony Onwuegbuzie & Nancy Leech, 2007. "Validity and Qualitative Research: An Oxymoron?," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 41(2), pages 233-249, April.
    4. Norman Blaikie, 1991. "A critique of the use of triangulation in social research," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 115-136, May.
    5. Lukka, Kari & Modell, Sven, 2010. "Validation in interpretive management accounting research," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 462-477, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sergi Fàbregues & José F. Molina-Azorín, 2017. "Addressing quality in mixed methods research: a review and recommendations for a future agenda," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 51(6), pages 2847-2863, November.
    2. MOHAJAN, Haradhan Kumar, 2017. "Two Criteria For Good Measurements In Research: Validity And Reliability," Annals of Spiru Haret University, Economic Series, Universitatea Spiru Haret, vol. 17(4), pages 59-82.
    3. Adzor Ibiamke & Clement C. M. Ajekwe, 2017. "On Ensuring Rigour in Accounting Research," International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, vol. 7(3), pages 157-170, July.

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    Keywords

    Accounting research; Research methods;

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