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Using data is essential to all stages of delivering programs, from conducting needs assessments to evaluating and communicating outcomes. However, data can rarely be used exactly as collected. Instead, it must be analyzed.
Qualitative data goes beyond crunching and reporting numbers; it includes interpreting words and stories to learn more about our impact on the community. Qualitative data collection includes focus groups, interviews, open-ended survey answers, and comments.
Qualitative methods yield non-numeric information and are used to better understand the issues being addressed. They are best for understanding the nature of something. They provide a deep understanding of the context, processes, and significance. However, due to the subjective nature of the data, they may not be generalizable. For program evaluation purposes, qualitative methods can be used to develop program outcomes, elicit qualitative findings and success stories, and clarify evaluation findings when necessary.
For more information on qualitative data and analysis, visit the section on Qualitative Data Basics
Quantitative methods provide measurable and analyzable numerical data. They help appreciate the extent of something. They can help measure the program's outcomes and impacts. However, they may overlook the context or depth of individual experiences.
A quantitative approach is generally used when researchers want to study a topic or phenomenon to generalize across a population. Often, the number of units studied is large enough to use statistical analysis techniques. However, as with qualitative methods, data collection and analysis can be time-consuming.
Typically, in extension, quantitative data is obtained through surveys. Generally used are:
For more information on quantitative data and analysis, visit the section on Quantitative Data Basics.
Learn more about Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
These methods are not mutually exclusive. They can be integrated as complementary forms of investigation, each contributing to different stages in the scientific process. This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the program.
| Qualitative Methods | Quantitative Methods | |
| Definition | Qualitative methods are best for understanding the nature of something. | Quantitative methods help in appreciating its extent. |
| When to Use | If we do not know the nature of something, we should conduct qualitative studies. | After measuring something, we may still need to use qualitative methods to learn about variations and unique forms. |
| Strengths | They provide a deep understanding of the context, processes, and significance. | They provide measurable and analyzable numerical data. |
| Limitations | They may not be generalizable due to the subjective nature of the data. | They may overlook the context or depth of individual experiences. |
| Role in Program Evaluation | They can help understand the program's implementation, the environment, and the people involved. | They can help measure the program's outcomes and impacts. |
| Type of Data | Non-numerical data | Numerical data |
| Examples | Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, observation, and case studies. | Surveys, tests, questionnaires, experiments, and statistical analysis. |
