Convergence between quantitative and qualitative methodological orientations: Mixed models

Abstract

This chapter deals with the process of convergence that has developed between quantitative and qualitative methodological orientations over recent decades in the context of the social sciences. It brings together some of the arguments that sum up the opposing positions in this debate, from the stance of discrepancy and its attitude of subordinate methodological difference, to the stance of harmony, which emphasizes the value of each methodology and respects their respective contributions, and then on to a current position based on duality and the potential of convergence, compatibility and integration with regard to so-called mixed models or designs.