THE QUALITATIVE APPROACH TO SOCIAL-WORK - AN EPISTEMOLOGICAL BASIS

A fundamental distinction in social work research is between quantitat ive and qualitative research methods. The two methodological approache s have been available for use throughout the history of our profession . There is little agreement between us on the exact differences and co mmonalities between quantitative and qualitative research methods. Mos t of us perceive quantitative methods as more respectable and closer t o the common understanding of science. However, in reaction to the hig h status conferred on the use of the quantitative approach to research in our profession, some social workers are beginning to advocate more use of the qualitative approach and are focusing on the conflicting a spects of the two methods. In doing so, they create an erroneous impre ssion that the choice between the two is political and social workers must decide and declare which side they are on.