| Quantitative | Qualitative | |
|---|---|---|
| numbers | words | |
| single reality | multiple realities | |
| relationships and causes between variables | situations and events from the viewpoint of participants | |
| preestablished designs | designs emerge | |
| Rigid | flexible | |
| detached observer | immersed observer | |
| generalize beyond the situation | leave it to the reader to assess applicability | |
| Closed-ended questions | open-ended questions | |
| subjects | participants | |
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