ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relationship between quantitative and qualitative approaches in social policy research with particular reference to studies of children conducted by the Dartington Social Research Unit. It illustrates the ways in which the relationship between quantitative and qualitative approaches reflects the nature of the theory employed. The chapter considers the diverse historical antecedents of quantitative and qualitative approaches. It emphasizes the difficulties of linking quantitative and qualitative approaches, researchers generally succeed in overcoming these problems. The chapter looks more closely at the process of research and examines the links between the two approaches at different stages. It also illustrates how the research process led to a particular mix of quantitative and qualitative methods in one large-scale study, Lost In Care. Social policy research also covers a range of activities each of which is different in its time and resource implications as well as its functions.
