Gives an in-depth understanding of why people hold particular views, and how they make judgements, in a way that structured quantitative research cannot, but is not intended to be statistically reliable. Newer types of qualitative research attempt not just to understand but also to inform participants views by actively supplying them with information which allows them to reach a more considered view. Used to identify not only what people think but also, more importantly, the reasons why they hold such views. Whilst these techniques do not produce results which are statistically reliable (quantitative methods are needed for this), findings can - if participants are broadly representative - be strongly indicative of the population as a whole and have a valuable diagnostic value - more

Qualitative means describing the value of a quantity using labels as distinctions instead of numerical values. For example using boiling point instead of 100 degrees celcius, positive for every value greater than zero, or high as an indication of a large population.

involving distinctions based on qualities; "qualitative change"; "qualitative data"; "qualitative analysis determines the chemical constituents of a substance or mixture"

that can be assessed in terms of its relative quality or positive attributes. Qualitative data provides a subjective measurement or evaluation of something. See also quantitative

Something that is not summarised in numerical form, such as minutes from community meetings and general notes from observations. Qualitative data normally describe people's knowledge, attitudes or behaviours.

observations that do not involve measurements and numbers ("My brother is shorter than my sister," is a qualitative observation.)

Non-numerical values/codes resulting from research.

Expressed, analyzed, or evaluated in non-numerical terms; not directly measurable, abstracted. Or, literally pertaining to quality – a qualitative skills gap describes a condition in which the quality of the workforce is deficient in terms of training or skills.

(methods, data, information, analysis) Evaluation methods, data, information, and/or analysis that use observations, interviews, focus group information, and surveys to assess change by reporting on general trends and patterns not based on statistical analysis Related terms:  process evaluation, implementation evaluation CSSP Guide 6 p 56Source web site

A general description of properties that cannot be written in numbers.

Measurement of descriptive elements (e.g., age class, distribution).

Descriptive of kind, type, or direction, as opposed to size, magnitude, or degree.

relating to or involving comparisons based on qualities

relating to quality or kind.

The kind of valuable minerals or elements that are present in a sample of ore.

Involving quality or kind.