Which of the following are similarities between qualitative and quantitative research?
(A) Data increase
(B) Answering research questions
(C) Relating data analysis to literature
(D) Variation
(E) Use of null hypotheses
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Both qualitative and quantitative research share some fundamental principles despite their methodological differences. These include:
1. Answering research questions (B): Both approaches aim to address specific research questions or objectives. The methodology and type of questions may differ (exploratory in qualitative; confirmatory in quantitative), but the overarching goal is inquiry-based problem-solving.
2. Relating data analysis to literature (C): Both methods rely on existing literature to contextualize findings. Qualitative research uses literature for interpretive frameworks, while quantitative research uses it for hypothesis testing and result validation.
3. Variation (D): Both approaches recognize the role of variation, though they interpret it differently. Qualitative research sees variation as a source of rich, detailed understanding, while quantitative research often measures and analyzes variation statistically.
Other options are not correct:
· (A) Data increase: This is not a direct similarity as data volume and its nature differ greatly in these approaches.
· (E) Use of null hypotheses: Null hypotheses are a hallmark of quantitative research but are not typically used in qualitative research.