cepia

In this article, the boundary between public health and social science is the focus of a reflexive, sociological analysis of the processes of production, analysis and publication of knowledge resulting from collaboration between sociologists, clinical researchers and public health professionals. We address the epistemological and political issues surrounding the use of qualitative and quantitative data in the field of health research. Having discussed the limitation of the distinction between “qualitative” and “quantitative”, we draw on two of our own examples of mixed methods studies using interviews, observation and questionnaires. This review of our methodological experiences of collaboration between social scientists, epidemiologists and physicians ultimately sheds further light on our primary objects of study: illness and healthcare work.