ABSTRACT
The general proposition is advanced (see Campbell, 1984) that the qualitative understanding informing any research endeavour cannot simply be replaced by a quantitative analysis. In this chapter, the proposition is addressed through the need to distinguish between ‘statistical’ and ‘analytic’ inference. The former mode of inference is particularly suitable for survey methods, which involve large numbers of respondents. The latter is suitable for case study work, which typically involves intensive work with relatively few respondents and relies largely on qualitative interpretation. Recent studies of the adolescent in school and at home (e.g. Kitwood, 1980; Griffin, 1985; Wallace, 1986) show an increased concern with relatively neglected qualitative research. However, it can still be argued that even an explicit concern with qualitative work is still largely rendered merely as illustration for researchers’ particular interpretations.
