The Basis of Distinction Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Social Science: Reflection on Ontological, Epistemological and Methodological Perspectives

Abstract

This article examines methodological issues associated with qualitative and quantitative research. In doing this, I briefly begin by outlining the philosophical and conceptual framework that informed the two research methodologies and discusses how ontological and epistemological issues were translated in to specific methodological strategies and influence researchers methodological decision. My purpose in writing this article is not to promote one methodology over the other rather to describe and reflect on the differences between the two research methodologies from Ontological, Epistemological and Methodological Perspectives and how they will be selected for research.