Volume 2, No. 1 – February 2001

Combination and Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Philipp Mayring (Germany)

Abstract: In this paper, I am going to outline ways of combining qualitative and quantitative steps of analysis on five levels. On the technical level, programs for the computer-aided analysis of qualitative data offer various combinations. Where the data are concerned, the employment of categories (for instance by using qualitative content analysis) allows for combining qualitative and quantitative forms of data analysis. On the individual level, the creation of types and the inductive generalisation of cases allow for proceeding from individual case material to quantitative generalisations. As for research design, different models can be distinguished (preliminary study, generalisation, elaboration, triangulation) which combine qualitative and quantitative steps of analysis. Where the logic of research is concerned, it can be shown that an extended process model which combined qualitative and quantitative research can be appropriate and thus lead to an integration of the two approaches.

Key words: qualitative research, quantitative research, methodology, integration of methods, qualitative content analysis

This contribution is only available as a full text in the German language. German text

Last update: 01/30/2003

Volume 2, No. 1 Table of Contents

[qualitative-research.net] [Home] [Inside FQS] [Features] [Services] [Submission]
[FAQ] [Advertising] [Search FQS] [Newsletter] [Editorial Team]