It's as much a perspective as it is method. I advocate blends and combinations. Most researchers know one variety of research over the other, so most combinations emphasize either qualitative or quantitative. Classic distinction between qualitative and quantitative. But Cook and Reichardt conclude this is a false dichotemy.
Quantitative methods use numbers and statistics.
Summarize data 4. Return to observe, or ask more questions of people 5. Today the trend is toward blending and combining aspects of two approaches. I believe in and use quantitative research, but see limits and strengths in both approaches. Ideally need to use both , but they have very different methods and philosophical orientations, so most researchers specialize in one and may dabble in the other.