ABSTRACT
This chapter describes observations of labour market behaviour: A pickup truck drives slowly down the street. It is useful to consider some of the differences between quantitative and qualitative research more generally. The study is subjective in the sense that it is one social scientist’s interpretation, based on his own participation, without checks from others and without replication. The number of possible permutations is considerable and ‘triangulating’ different data sources is a means of strengthening the validity of conclusions reached. Different research methods are not inherently better or worse than any other on the basis of intrinsic qualities, but superior or inferior for particular purposes. The mosaic image extends to the combination of qualitative with quantitative methods. The value of ‘triangulating’ methods – looking at the researcher’s problem from at least two methodological perspectives – helps to correct biases which are inevitably present in each method.
