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The Methodological Division: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

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Realism and Psychological Science

Abstract

This chapter explores how the quantitative-qualitative divide contributes to establishing the mythic image of science. More to the point, one may assume a reciprocal relationship between the two aspects. In a sense, the mythic image of science is informed by the polarity but also maintains it. For example, the image lets us believe that the hallmark of science is the ability to measure constructs. Thus, the reaction against the received view of science is to eschew measurement as not applicable in the psychosocial domain and we examine how qualitative proponents utilised this in forming a particular image of science.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    David J. F. Maree

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  1. David J. F. Maree
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Maree, D.J.F. (2020). The Methodological Division: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods. In: Realism and Psychological Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45143-1_2

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