Role of Statistics in Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative research is typically considered “soft” because it focuses on subjective interpretation of data. But when applied well, qualitative research has many benefits.

Definition

Qualitative research is a form of study that looks at the nature, strengths and interactions of variables. It seeks to answer the question "What?" rather than the "How often?" studied in quantitative research.

Identify Variables

One of the core uses of qualitative analysis is its ability to identify variables for quantitative testing. Too often, quantitative research methods are employed before ample attention has been given to what should be studied.

Enrich Numbers

Qualitative research is frequently used to enrich the findings from quantitative studies. Quantitative studies only show incidence; qualitative methods can provide some indication of the underlying cause.

Triangulation

Increasingly, qualitative research double-checks quantitative results. This type of “triangulation” can help ensure that statistical findings are actual correlations--and not simply coincidences.

As a Substitution

Some issues are better addressed with qualitative methods. When looking at issues with many variables, such as global warming, or ones that require a study on causation, such as why depression is increasingly prevalent, qualitative methods provide a way to do so.

References

• "Why We Need Qualitative Research"; Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health; Nick Black; 1994 (pdf)