A Tale of Two Cultures: Qualitative and Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences

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Some in the social sciences argue that the same logic applies to both qualitative and quantitative methods. In A Tale of Two Cultures, Gary Goertz and James Mahoney demonstrate that these two paradigms constitute different cultures, each internally coherent yet marked by contrasting norms, practices, and toolkits. They identify and discuss major differences between these two traditions that touch nearly every aspect of social science research, including design, goals, causal effects and models, concepts and measurement, data analysis, and case selection. Although focused on the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, Goertz and Mahoney also seek to promote toleration, exchange, and learning by enabling scholars to think beyond their own culture and see an alternative scientific worldview. This book is written in an easily accessible style and features a host of real-world examples to illustrate methodological points.

Reviews

"A Tale of Two Cultures is an informative read for social scientists, especially those who find themselves specialized in one culture of research instead of the other (which of course) is most of us. If one is absent a background in either culture, Goertz and Mahoney provide clear examples to illustrate their arguments. Thus, those instructing research methods will find the book a particularly helpful teaching tool, even if some may take issue with the 'two culture' approach. After all, promoting appreciation and exchange of research methods through better understanding is indeed a worthy goal."--Maria Kuecken, LSE Review of Books "All in all the authors should be thanked for writing a very interesting and well-written book which will set the stage for a methodological debate that will enlighten us all."--Robert Klemmensen, Political Studies Review

Author Bio

Gary Goertz is professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. His books include "Social Science Concepts: A User's Guide" (Princeton). James Mahoney is the Fitzgerald Professor of Economic History and professor of political science and sociology at Northwestern University. His books include "Colonialism and Postcolonial Development: Spanish America in Comparative Perspective."