Qualitative Data

Synonyms

Categorical data; Non-numerical data; Thematic data

Definition

Qualitative data is all data that is not quantitative in nature – non-numerical, word-based data. It is often confirmatory and deductive in nature but can also be utilized for exploratory purposes. Some consider qualitative data as soft data that describes, while quantitative data as data that defines. Data are collected through a variety of methods including participant or direct observation, in-depth and unstructured interviews, case studies, focus groups, and document reviews. It is often analyzed via judgmental syntheses or analyses. It is not concerned with validity of data but with credibility, dependability, generalizability or transferability, and confirmability. Data should be able to be coded qualitatively if needed. It is most commonly utilized by neuropsychologists in the form of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery, a collection of qualitative analyses of patient behavior. Similarly, when...