7/30/2019 Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation Methods

1/2

Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation Methods

Evaluationmethods and the data they produce are grouped into two basic categories quantitative andqualitative. In general, quantitative methods produce hard numbers while qualitative methods capture moredescriptive data. The method(s) you choose are determined by the purpose(s) of your evaluation and the resourcesyou have to design and conduct it. In practice, most researchers and evaluators agree that combining quantitativeand qualitative techniques (sometimes called mixed method evaluations) produces a richer and morecomprehensive understanding of a projects accomplishments and learnings.

How are Quantitative and Qualitative Data Different?

At the most basic level, data are considered quantitative if they are numbers and qualitative if they arewords. Qualitative data may also include photos, videos, audio recordings and other non-text data. Those who favorquantitative data claim that their data are hard, rigorous, credible and scientific. Those in the qualitative camp counterthat their data are sensitive, detailed, nuanced and contextual. Quantitative data best explain the whyand howofyour program, while qualitative data best explain thewhat, who and when.

Different techniques are used to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data:

Quantitative Techniques Qualitative TechniquesSurveys/Questionnaires ObservationsPre/post Tests InterviewsExisting Databases Focus GroupsStatistical Analysis Non-statistical (methods vary)

In general, evaluators agree that qualitative and quantitative data and methods have different strengths, weaknesses,and requirements that affect decisions about which methodologies are appropriate for which purposes.

Quantitative Data and Evaluation Methods

What are Quantitative Data?

Pieces of information that can be counted mathematically

Usually gathered by surveys from large numbers of respondents selected randomly

Secondary data such as census data, government statistics, etc. often included in quantitative evaluationsAnalyzed using statistical methods

Best used to answer what, when and who questions

Not well suited to how and why questions

Strengths Limitations

Findings can be generalized, if selectionprocess well-designed and sample isrepresentative of study population

Related secondary data sometimes notavailable, or accessing available data isdifficult/impossible

Relatively easy to analyze Difficult to understand context of programactivities

Data can be very consistent, precise,reliable

Data may not be robust enough to explaincomplex issues

Data collection is usually cost efficient

How do you collect Quantitative Data?Surveys

o Most common methodo Self-administered or by someone elseo Face-to-face, telephone, mail, web-based

Secondary Data

http://www.civicpartnerships.org/docs/tools_resources/Evaluation%209.07.htmhttp://www.civicpartnerships.org/docs/tools_resources/Evaluation%209.07.htmhttp://www.civicpartnerships.org/docs/tools_resources/Evaluation%209.07.htm

7/30/2019 Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation Methods

2/2

o Often used in conjunction with survey datao Includes census data, knowledge/attitude/behavior (KABB) studies, criminal justice statistics, performance

data, non-confidential client information, agency progress reports, etc.

Qualitative Data and Evaluation Methods

What are Qualitative Data?

Usually gathered by observations, interviews or focus groups

May also be gathered from written documents and through case studies

Less emphasis on countingnumbers of people who think or behave in certain waysand moreemphasis on explainingwhypeople think and behave in certain ways

Involves smaller numbers of respondents

Utilizes open-ended questionnaires or protocols

Best used to answer how and why questions

Not well suited to what, when and who questionsStrengths Limitations

Complement and refine quantitative data Findings usually can not be generalized tothe study population or community

Provide more detailed information toexplain complex issues

More difficult to analyze; dont fit neatly instandard categories

Multiple methods for gathering data onsensitive subjects

Data collection is usually time consumingand costly

How do you collect Qualitative Data?Observations

o Looking at what is happening rather than directly questioning participantso Used to better understand behaviors, their social context and meanings attached to themo Useful for certain populations - children, infantso Can identify unanticipated outcomes

Interviews (in-depth, individual)

o Usually provide rich data, details, insights from program participants and stakeholders about theirexperiences, behaviors and opinions

o Particularly useful for complex or sensitive subjectso Use open-ended questions

Focus Groups

o 8-12 people selected by non-random method, share some characteristics or experience relevant to theevaluation, ideally do not know each other, respond to questions from group facilitator

o Use group dynamics to generate data and insights

o Useful for generating ideas and strategies, defining problems in project implementation, assist withinterpreting quantitative findingso Open-ended questions or topics designed to stimulate discussion; topics usually broader than interview

questions

http://www.civicpartnerships.org/docs/tools_resources/Quan_Qual%20Methods%209.07.htm