Malini Ratnasingam
Department of Anthropology & Sociology
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Universiti Malaya
Kuala lumpur

Date: 25 October 2001
Time: 3.30-4.00
 

This paper intends to examine the relationship between qualitative and quantitative methods in psychological research by discussing two examples where mixed methods have been used. In the first example cognitive mapping was used as the qualitative method in conjunction with two site-wide surveys that were analyzed quantitatively. In the second example grounded theory analysis of interviews was used as the qualitative method in conjunction with a survey answered by 120 respondents that was quantitatively analyzed.
It is the position of the author that qualitative and quantitative methods yield different kinds of information, and that neither should be seen as subordinate to the other. The greater ease of publishing quantitative data in psychology should not lead to undervaluing qualitative research. This paper will examine ways in which mixed methods research can improve analysis of the research issues and context, with reference to the two examples mentioned above.
Since the first study was carried out in a UK based manufacturing company and the second study was carried out in a Malaysian manufacturing company, it is also possible to compare reactions to the use of mixed methods in both these settings. It is suggested that qualitative methods have a special role to play in identifying indigenous concepts. The combination of both methods provides us with a unique opportunity to contribute new knowledge in our respective areas of research.