This article discusses pragmatism as a paradigm of research, providing clarification on the philosophical orientation underpinning the approach, its principles, and methodological implications. From the perspectives of Charles Peirce, William James, and John Dewey pragmatism is described as a committed, social, and adaptive framework, which is concerned primarily with practical consequences, its contextual relevance, and the integration of theory and practice. This article emphasizes problem solving, pluralism, and the use of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods to engage with real world issues. More scholars are placing value in pragmatism as a paradigm to employ, however scholars often have difficulty engaging with pragmatism due to its malleability and potential for vagueness. The article explores and discusses these barriers by providing foundational principles, methodological uses, ethical considerations, and advice on navigating pragmatism in research practice. Throughout the article we are attempting to provide a concise but useful guide for scholars on the ways to approach study designs that are rigorously-developed and rigorously-practical, thereby establishing pragmatism as a principal paradigm way to advance knowledge and practice.