The Müller-Lyer illusion and dialogic theory as a pedagogical framework for mixed and multi-methods research

This article introduces the Müller-Lyer illusion as a pedagogical tool to support students in higher education research courses in understanding mixed and multi-methods research. The illusion presents two lines that appear to be different lengths to the eye but are in fact identical when measured. This serves as a metaphor: different methods offer distinct perspectives and combining them can reveal insights not accessible through a single method alone. Students often struggle with abstract methodological concepts such as ontology and epistemology because philosophically dense, technical language is needed to engage with those perspectives comprehensively. In response, this article offers a dialogic orientation – grounded in the idea that reality is constructed through the tension between perspectives and that knowledge emerges from this tension. This framing provides an accessible and intuitive foundation for methodological pluralism. The article offers both an intuitive, practical teaching tool and a philosophically coherent basis for mixed and multi-methods research.