Métodos qualitativos e quantitativos na pesquisa social em saúde: algumas estratégias para a integra??o

摘要

The objective of this paper is to discuss the employment of qualitative and quantitative methods in social research on health. Some strategies for integration of these methods are discussed and theoretical considerations from different authors who have been working during the last 30 years to overcome the opposition between the two perspectives are presented. In addition, the characteristics of each method are listed and the applicability of each one is assessed, taking into account the objet of the study and the different stages of the research. This article also stresses the occurrence of preconceptions and false dilemmas regarding the debate on the methods and emphasizes the need to overcome communication problems between qualitative and quantitative researchers.