Good points raised by Hilda, Andi, et al.; however, do we have to picture this in terms of qualitative researchers seeking justification or permission from quantiative researchers or the two camps as opposing competitors? Examples I've used in my courses tend to emphasize the complementary roles of qualitative & quantitative research cycles (e.g. quantitative research documenting population subgroups with low participation rate in screening programs, qualitative research exploring individuals' reasons for nonparticipation, subsequent cycles of research exploring impact of measures introduced to overcome purported barriers).
Collaboratively,
David.
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David Birnbaum, PhD, MPH
Adjunct Professor
School of Nursing
University of British Columbia
Principal, Applied Epidemiology
British Columbia, Canada
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