Why quantitative and qualitative are mutually exclusive?

Answer 1

Quantitative and qualitative research methods are often considered mutually exclusive because they employ fundamentally different approaches to data collection and analysis. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns and test hypotheses, while qualitative research emphasizes understanding behaviors, experiences, and social phenomena through non-numerical data like interviews and observations. This distinction means that each method typically addresses different research questions and outcomes, making them complementary rather than interchangeable. However, they can also be used together in mixed-methods research to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a topic.