Quantitative and qualitative research: further reflections on their integration

Interest in the differences between quantitative research and qualitative research continues unabated. The nature of quantitative and qualitative research has been a focus within discussions of the prospects for multi-method research generally and has been a significant element within discussions of paradigms in the social sciences. The context within which the integration of quantitative and qualitative research is most frequently encountered is in terms of triangulation. Integrated studies can facilitate the tactics of doing research. Two points stand out. First, combined research may smooth access to research sites. A second tactical advantage is in relation to the broad conduct of research. Quantitative research is especially efficient at getting to the 'structural' features of social life, while qualitative studies are usually stronger in terms of 'processual' aspects. Qualitative research is typically associated with participant observation, semi- and unstructured interviewing, focus groups, the qualitative examination of texts, and various language-based techniques like conversation and discourse analysis.