Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in the Sociology of Religion

Abstract

This chapter aims to present and discuss potentials of research designs which combine quantitative and qualitative methods in the sociology of religion. Qualitative and quantitative methods refer to two characteristic modes of producing knowledge. Quantitative studies are generally characterized by seeing social characteristics as variables, which are subject to standardized measurement and attributed with numeric values. Qualitative methods differ in scientific views, aims, and practical procedures. They often focus on hermeneutic interpretations of complex, contextualized cultural phenomena. One of the major arguments against combining quantitative and qualitative methods is that they are based on contradictory epistemological premises. The methodological dualism of quantitative and qualitative designs seems to follow Dilthey's well-known dualism between natural science and the humanities, which seeks either general explanatory laws or a meaningful comprehension of a specific event. Ontology and epistemology are influenced by scientific findings and methodological developments. Keywords:epistemology; ontology; qualitative methods; quantitative methods; religion; sociology