Qualitative-quantitative Research Methodology: Exploring the Interactive Continuum - Softcover

Newman, Isadore; Benz, Carolyn R

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0809321505 ISBN 13: 9780809321506

Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press, 1998

Synopsis

Rejecting the artificial dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative research strategies in the social and behavioral sciences, Isadore Newman and Carolyn R. Benz argue that the two approaches are neither mutually exclusive nor interchangeable; rather, the actual relationship between the two paradigms is one of isolated events on a continuum of scientific inquiry. Through graphic and narrative descriptions, Newman and Benz show research to be a holistic endeavor in the world of inquiry. To clarify their argument, they provide a diagram of the "qualitative-quantitative interactive continuum" showing that qualitative analysis with its feedback loops can easily modify the types of research questions asked in quantitative analysis research and that the quantitative analysis results and its feedback can change what will be asked qualitatively. In their model for research - an "interactive continuum" - Newman and Benz emphasize four major points: the research question dictates the selection of research methods; consistency between question and design can lead to a method of critiquing research studies in journals; the interactive continuum model is built around the place of theory; and the assurance of "validity" of research is central to all studies.

About this title

About the Author

Isadore Newman is a professor in the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership at the University of Akron. With Keith McNeil and Francis J. Kelly, he coauthored Testing Research Hypotheses with the General Linear Model, available from Southern Illinois University Press. Carolyn R. Benz is an associate professor of education at the University of Dayton.

Synopsis

Rejecting the artificial dichotomy between qualitative and quantitative research strategies in the social and behavioural sciences, the authors argue that the two approaches are not mutually exclusive. The authors aim to show that research is an holistic endeavor in the world of inquiry.

Edition details

• Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0809321505
• ISBN 13: 9780809321506
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240