TABLE 1.

Conceptual differences between etic and emic approaches in nutrition research

	Qualitative approach	Quantitative approach
Etic approach	Constructs and hypotheses are predefined; subjects are asked to respond in relation to predefined categories, constructs and understandings [e.g., What barriers do you face when trying to exclusively breastfeed for 6 mo? (with prompts for social support, time, workplace, self-efficacy)]	Prespecified variables to measure dependent and independent variables; randomized controlled trials; prespecified regression models (e.g., What is the effect of social support on duration of exclusive breastfeeding?)
Emic approach	Constructs emerge from the data using locally-ascribed meaning and categories [e.g., Tell me about your experiences feeding your 3-mo-old baby? (with follow-up questions and identification of emergent themes)]	Varied methods to detect patterns that emerge from the data and quantitatively describe the similarities and differences (e.g., counts of emic themes, multidimensional scaling analysis of pile sorting, factor analysis of Q-sorts)