Quality and quantity as indissociable dimensions of research

Leilah Santiago Bufrem

doi:10.5433/1981-8920.2021v26n4p200

Abstract

Objective : To theoretically demonstrate the relations between the quality and quantity dimensions and their indissociability in research, arguing that the ways of producing knowledge within a scientific field is conditioned to the researchers' vigilance over the system of objective relations and, thus, is a practice governed by a particular metascience. Method: The argument is built from a philosophical theoretical framework. Results: While it is necessary to identify predicates such as quality and quantity to distinguish and analyze the scientific object, these are constituent aspects of the totality of the perceived object, and it is impossible to study them separately. Conclusion : It is necessary to look carefully at the way scientific research is constructed and communicated, including its explanations and statements based on the predicates’ relational aspects in their double determination, investigation, and exposition, which relates to the process of appropriation and critical-rational explicitness.

Highlights

Leilah Santiago Bufrem Quality and quantity as indissociable dimensions of research understand its correlations within possible limits, is concerned about how to construct explanations and statements and how to verify them, as they reflect on their own investigative action, in an effort to validate and attest to their veracity
Based on the assumption that the method or combination of specific procedures and techniques to be employed in the investigation is defined during the construction of the research object or problem, we intend to argue in favor of constructing the research object while preserving its integrity and conception as an organic whole
We see the return to Aristotelian metaphysics and the dialectics of historical materialism as a promising way to advance the discussion on the relationship between quantity and quality in research, both in the social sciences in general and, in information science

Summary

INTRODUCTION

One of the obstacles to this awareness has been the use of the adjectives "qualitative" or "quantitative" to denote different natures of study We highlight this designation because we consider it an inadequate and partial way of expressing the understanding of the object of investigation. We see the return to Aristotelian metaphysics and the dialectics of historical materialism as a promising way to advance the discussion on the relationship between quantity and quality in research, both in the social sciences in general and, in information science To this end, after this introductory section, we will address the definition of the terms being discussed here; the ontological and logical implications of the concepts of quality and quantity in relation to the nature of the research and its denomination; the theories that support the argument, with their assumptions and generalizable propositions, and provide a framework for the analysis, as well as their points of convergence. Leilah Santiago Bufrem Quality and quantity as indissociable dimensions of research importance of looking at quality and quantity as indissociable elements, both for the comprehension of the object in the research and for its description

TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERMS

THE INNOCUOUSNESS OF THE QUANTITY VERSUS QUALITY ARGUMENT

QUANTITY AND QUALITY AS PREDICATES

A DIALECTICAL CONCEPTION OF KNOWLEDGE

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS