Why is qualitative data important in evaluation?

Why is qualitative data important in evaluation?

Qualitative data provides in-depth insights into participants' experiences, motivations, and feelings, which quantitative data alone can't capture.

Can you give me an example of qualitative data in evaluation?

Sure! An example would be conducting interviews or focus groups to gather personal stories and feedback about a program's impact.

How does qualitative data complement quantitative data?

Qualitative data adds context to quantitative findings, helping to explain the 'why' behind the numbers and providing a fuller picture.

What methods are commonly used to collect qualitative data?

Common methods include interviews, focus groups, open-ended surveys, and observations, all aimed at gathering rich, descriptive information.

Are there any challenges in using qualitative data?

Yes, challenges include subjectivity in interpretation, time-consuming data collection, and difficulties in generalizing findings.