Quo Vadis, Economics? A Few Words About Research: “Quantitatively” vs. “Qualitatively”

Purpose of the study: The article contains a polemic concerning dispute about existing priority quantitative over the qualitative approach in economic researches. The aim of the analysis will be an attempt to indicate the “golden mean”, so that the proper analysis in the next year of research will allow the author to find solutions of a purposeful nature and formulate recommendations, along with the correct selection of the appropriate research method. Methodology: The article presents selected literature, which was available to the author and selected views of economists. Items compatible with the author's research subject are cited, supplemented with other sources, the most important of which are listed in the references. Therefore, a preliminary analysis of existing data (secondary research) was used as a method. Main Findings: The preliminary analysis allowed to general conclusions in presented direction. First: there is no need to artificially distinguish between positive and normative economics. Second: the assumptions of economics should be modified. Third: there is no chance for change without a prior increase in the awareness that economic theory and economic policy go hand in hand. Fourth: it is impossible to make changes in the short term, and it takes time to build new models and ways to present content quantitatively. Finally, mainstream economics and heterodox economics can exist side by side, complementing each other. Applications of the study: The presented article may be helpful for a broad audience interested in the researched topic. In addition, the topics and information provided will be used at the Jan Kochanowski University during practical meetings/classes with students. Novelty/Originality of the study: In the article, the author emphasized several important elements of an extremely difficult puzzle, which are the efficient and adequate selection of methods of analysis within economic sciences. The author focused on several key areas: better use of researchers’ intellectual resources, minimization of misinterpretations of the obtained results and limiting excessive verbosity without supporting it with statistical data. Faced with the choice: quantitative research vs qualitative research, the author presented the scale of the problem and limitations in this area. Finally, she opted for combining both approaches to be able to effectively achieve the set goals.