Given below are two statements:
One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R),
Assertion (A): Qualitative research is guided by positivistic epistemology
Reason (R): The aim of quantitative research is only to test hypothesis.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

Correct option is D

The Assertion (A) is incorrect because qualitative research is not guided by positivistic epistemology; it is usually associated with interpretivist or constructivist epistemologies that emphasize understanding subjective meanings and experiences rather than seeking objective, measurable truths. Positivism is typically aligned with quantitative research.
The Reason (R) is correct because quantitative research often focuses on hypothesis testing, using statistical methods to confirm or refute predefined hypotheses, although it can also involve other goals such as exploring relationships between variables.
Information Booster: 1. Qualitative research is generally aligned with interpretivism, focusing on understanding human experiences and social phenomena through methods like interviews and observations.
2. Positivism emphasizes objectivity, observable facts, and often aligns with quantitative methods such as surveys and experiments.
3. Quantitative research often involves testing hypotheses, using numerical data to support or refute theoretical predictions.
4. In qualitative research, the emphasis is on depth, context, and the meaning individuals or groups attribute to their experiences.
5. Positivist research in the social sciences is more commonly associated with quantitative methods like surveys and experiments.
6. Interpretivist epistemology is more suitable for qualitative approaches, which prioritize understanding social reality from the perspective of the individuals involved.