The simple - not necessarily fully accurate answer is - quantitative=objective whereas qualitative=subjective.
The "subjective" is ultimately, arguably most important - at the roots this is simply because when you are conducting research you are usually trying to foresee the future, and realistically you can;t foresee the future you can only predict it. But the relationship between objective/subjective, quantitative/qualititative, is obviously interdependent. Subjective assertions can be used to formulate research methodology, and quantitative research can be used to support qualitative assertions.
Ultimately, this is all besides the point. When you are conducting research, you should have objectives. As such, it follows logic that in any situation you should do what makes sense for you to reach those objectives. Definitions are somewhat meaningless here unless you need to communicate tasks to employees/clients/etc.
- Billbill@criteriondynamics.comwww.criteriondynamics.com
