Answer to Question 1
The differences between scientific and pseudoscientific claims are not simply whether or not they are based on evidence (Finn, Bothe, & Bramlett, 2005). As we discuss later in this chapter, it is the quality of the evidence, how it was obtained, and how it is presented that are crucial in evaluating whether claims are scientifically believable. Scientists are certainly capable of making incorrect claims. What distinguishes them from pseudoscientists is that they play by the rules of science, are prepared to admit when they are wrong, and are open to change based on new evidence.
Answer to Question 2
Qualitative methods can be used to identify important dimensions and theories that can then be tested quantitatively. Alternatively, qualitative case studies may be used to illuminate the meaning of quantitatively derived findings (Guerra et al., 2011). In addition, if qualitative data have been reduced to numbers through word counts or frequency counts of themes, the data can be analyzed using quantitative methods.
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