The main objective of this paper is to emphasize the importance of integrating qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in science education. It is argued that the Kuhnian incommensurability thesis, a major source of inspiration for qualitative researchers, represents an obstacle for this integration. A major thesis of this paper is that qualitative researchers have interpreted the increased popularity of their paradigm as a revolutionary breakthrough in the Kuhnian sense. Literature from relevant areas is reviewed to show that researchers are far from advocating qualitative research as the only methodology. It is concluded that competition between divergent approaches to research in science education would provide a better forum for a productive sharing of research experiences. Contains 70 references. (Author/JRH)

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