The new Dawn of Mixed Methods in Social Science
The complex nature of research in education requires different approaches located in a range of methodological paradigms. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches is needed to obtain results that may be generalized, or seen as useful in specific contexts. Dividing methodological approaches needlessly reduces and impedes understanding of social phenomena, that is, of ourselves.
Under the banner of serious science, quantifying the ‘all’ gives the quantitative approach the illusion of being scientific. On the other hand, the deeper we venture into the explanation of phenomena, the more likely it is that problems of acausality, determinism (absolute – relative, safe – uncertain, ultimately infinite) will be imposed.
This presentation will discuss and debate this tension within the context of educational research.
Siniša Opić was born on December 8, 1973 in Pakrac, Croatia. He graduated in 1996 at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb. In the same year, he enrolled into postgraduate school at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of behavioral disorders where, in 1999 he earned his Master of Science degree.
In 2007, he got his doctorate at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Department of Pedagogy. He held a part-time lecturer position at the same Faculty since 2006.
He used to lecture at the Faculty of Science (PMF), Academy of Fine Arts, Music Academy, Academy of Dramatic Arts, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and other Universities in Croatia.
Since 2009, he has been working (full time) at Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb, holding the title associate professor, and in the capacity of Vice Dean for Studies, Students and Academic Affairs.
He teaches courses at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level of study. The areas of his scientific and research interest are the following: research methodology (social science), quantitative methodology and didactics. He has been mentor to a dozen students who are in the process of preparing their master or doctoral thesis. Siniša Opić is author of many scientific and research papers and he reviews many international papers. He has been an invited lecturer, president and keynote speaker at many world international conferences. Additionally, as a visiting professor he had taught at the University of Brock (Canada), University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor, University of Mostar (BIH), Macquarie University (Australia).
From 2018 he is the new Dean of Faculty of Teacher Education University of Zagreb.
