The paper by Glyn Winter explores the concept of 'validity' in both qualitative and quantitative research, arguing that it is not a fixed or universal concept but rather a contingent construct grounded in the processes and intentions of specific methodologies. The author reviews various definitions and categorizations of validity, highlighting the challenges in defining it consistently across different research methods. The paper distinguishes and compares the claims to validity made by quantitative and qualitative researchers, noting differences in their approaches to measurement, reliability, and generalizability. It emphasizes that the nature of truth is central to any theorization of validity, and that the affiliations of methodologies with truth generate varying notions of validity. The paper also discusses the role of interpretation, theoretical validity, and the trade-offs between validity and precision. Finally, it concludes that the concept of validity is not unitary and can be applied differently at various stages of the research process, depending on the researcher's beliefs and the specific research context.The paper by Glyn Winter explores the concept of 'validity' in both qualitative and quantitative research, arguing that it is not a fixed or universal concept but rather a contingent construct grounded in the processes and intentions of specific methodologies. The author reviews various definitions and categorizations of validity, highlighting the challenges in defining it consistently across different research methods. The paper distinguishes and compares the claims to validity made by quantitative and qualitative researchers, noting differences in their approaches to measurement, reliability, and generalizability. It emphasizes that the nature of truth is central to any theorization of validity, and that the affiliations of methodologies with truth generate varying notions of validity. The paper also discusses the role of interpretation, theoretical validity, and the trade-offs between validity and precision. Finally, it concludes that the concept of validity is not unitary and can be applied differently at various stages of the research process, depending on the researcher's beliefs and the specific research context.