Editorial
The scientific and technical development in contemporaneity configures
a new investigative thought. From this perspective, quantitative approaches are
accompanied by phenomenological understandings for the explanation of
processes. While qualitative research involves resources and quantitative
measurement and explanation techniques.
One of the problems that researchers face when organizing an
investigative process is to select a methodology that is relevant to the nature
of the object / subject of study. This selection leads them to take sides in favor
of processes of a quantitative or qualitative nature, with plural points of view
depending on the ways of perceiving and understanding the panorama before
them. In addition, the conformation of a scaffolding of methods and techniques
of positivist or phenomenological cut or where a complementarity between both
must be expressed.
We have an example in the study of human behavior where we can not
lose sight of the causal nature that originates human behavior and the peculiar
combination of heredity and the environment, the reasons and the orientation
towards conscious goals and objectives. In this study, the use of quantitative
methods and techniques may be relevant, as well as those that explore human
subjectivity.
The epistemological debate between rationalist and empiricist
paradigms lacks a sufficient basis, since particular methods are not necessarily
linked to a paradigm.
The so-called positivist paradigm (quantitative, empirical-analytical,
rationalist) seeks to explain, predict, control phenomena, verify theories and
laws to regulate phenomena; identify real, temporally preceding or
simultaneous causes.
11
Editorial
Contemporary investigative practices. The challenges of his new
epistemological approaches