The Contrast in Epistemological Approaches to Qualitative and Quantitative Inquiry in Human and Natural Sciences; with Emphasis on the Approach of Integrative Epistemology

The present paper tries to recognize the concept and nature of qualitative and quantitative research, The paper solves the contrasts and explains the ways to avoid this erosive epistemological contrast in the realm of human and natural sciences. It turns out that the theory, paradigm, strategies, and methodology are interwoven and is based on the assumption that human behavior can be studied in terms of social reality and with the help of those methodologies which follow deductive and holistic logic of sciences. The principle that the principles of sciences and their assumptions undergo changes in nature. In the third millennium, the quantitative research, contrary to qualitative research in human and natural sciences, is regarded as a social and cultural necessity which indicates the contrast between these two approaches. This paper proposes an integrative epistemological approach in order to solve this epistemological contrast. This approach has its roots in doctrines of Islam and uses these two qualitative and quantitative approaches of epistemology in the realm of human and natural sciences as complimentary, synergic, and integrative to each other.