Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

This chapter aims to examine the qualitative and quantitative approaches dialectically from the two perspectives: disparity and complementarity. While the disparity perspective addresses the polarization of these two paradigms, the complementarity deals mainly with the interaction of these paradigms. These two perspectives are explained thoroughly on the philosophical assumptions and practical features. The chapter also examines the three different approaches that emerge from their interaction: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. These approaches are logically explicated in terms of both characteristics and influential factors regarding their choice.