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real events are analysed according to what people say, through observation of specific behaviours, studies written as documents or the examination of visual images (2000: 145).\u000ANeuman also gives greater attention to the qualitative method because it permits one to enter the field of investigation with greater liberty and flexibility (2000: 146). According to Bouma and Atkinson, \u2018The research design in this kind of investigation remains flexible, and the details of the approach are often modified as the research proceeds\u2019 (1995: 210). They emphasise that \u2018That is because entering an investigation with a specific hypothesis might impose misconceptions on the setting. In this form of investigation, the setting is defined by the participants, and their views cannot be known until the investigation begins\u2019 (1995: 210). This methodological perspective allows one to enter the investigation field with freedom and the expectation of finding ideas or concepts that flow from the social actors to the area of study.\u000AIn second place, the researcher sees the need to combine the qualitative method with the quantitative because of the magnitude of the population studied. Some of these churches have thousands in their congregations. Later details will be given of the population of these churches. The combination of methods permits one to observe and understand the phenomena without having to approach the entire population in the study. Colin Robson states that \u2018there is no rule that says that only one method should be used in an investigation\u2019 (1993: 290). He notes that all methods have strengths and weaknesses and scholars must look for the best of both of them. For example, one can use studies based on observation, interviews and analysis of documents linked with questionnaires (1993: 305). This is the case in the present investigation. Along with interviews, visits and observations of these churches two surveys were distributed among the members of these churches. Both tools were useful in understanding the social thinking and participation of the NPL in their churches and beyond.\u000AHaralambos & Holborn notes that it \u2018is too difficult to see quantitative and qualitative methods as mutually exclusive. Increasingly sociologists are combining both\u000A29\u000A