| Abstract: | This article illustrates how rigorous quantitative studies in three distinct and promising areas opened the door to additional related qualitative work. Using qualitative narratives from a landmark sample of 184 diverse religious families, the authors discuss and illustrate two research methods and that have been useful to them: triangulating data in the context of family, and seeking truth through progressive questioning. Next, consistent with the paper's primary purpose, the authors highlight three areas where the strong, correlation-based research foundation provided by quantitative social scientists of religion has created some prime, complementary opportunities for follow-up work by qualitative researchers. The specific areas illustrated include the following: (1) the case of religiosity and African American mortality, (2) the case of parent-adolescent communication, and (3) how shared religion helps marriages last. Recommendations for future research are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) |
