title: Toward integrating qualitative and quantitative methods: an introduction.
abstract: Both the qualitative and quantitative paradigms have weaknesses which, to a certain extent, are compensated for by the strengths of the other. As indicated in this article, the strengths of quantitative methods are that they produce factual, reliable outcome data that are usually generalizable to some larger population. The strengths of qualitative methods are that they generate rich, detailed, valid process data that usually leave the study participants' perspectives in tact. This article discusses how qualitative and quantitative methods can be combined and it introduces the articles included in this issue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7400.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steckler
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: McLeroy
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Goodman
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Bird
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McCormick
mesh_terms: D000883:Anthropology; D005007:Ethnology; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012106:Research / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D012107:Research Design