ABSTRACT
In human studies “qualitative” research commonly is contrasted with “quantitative” research, reflecting a broad division that is intended to express substantially different methodological orientations. Quantitative approaches to research are understood specifically to emphasize the measurement of human phenomena by particular tests and instruments, statistical analysis of the resulting data, hypothesis testing, deductive reasoning, and explanation. Participant observers often do gather quantitative information, especially when amounts of are an ordinary part of some human situation. A method of participant observation usually supplies a foundation for ethnographic research and/or ethnographies. The method of participant observation is appropriate for studies of almost every aspect of human existence. A critical distinction between the characteristics of physical as juxtaposed to human realities, for example, supplies one of the principal rationales for the methodology of participant observation. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
