Articulate qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Summary It is usual to think that one method and one method only corresponds to a given scale of analysis, source, theory or way of presenting results: "quantitative researchers" are supposed to work on large populations and to be able to generalize their observations; "qualitative researchers" are supposed to describe and interpret fine but still locally situated mechanisms. And yet, we would like to convince you here that these methodological assignments are not always justified, that the opposition between "quanti" and "quali" has little reason to exist, or even better, that it can be exciting and profitable to attempt, in a humanities and social sciences thesis, to articulate the two approaches. This articulation is not always as difficult as you might think, as we will show you by first explaining why it is necessary to articulate these approaches, and then giving you some hints on the many ways to proceed.