qualitative analysis

Meaning

This term refers to the systematic examination of non-numerical data, such as words, images, or actions, to understand underlying concepts, opinions, or experiences. It is commonly used in the social sciences and humanities to explore 'how' and 'why' phenomena occur, rather than measuring 'how much.' The tone is highly formal and analytical.

Examples

• The researcher conducted a qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts to identify recurring themes.

  The researcher conducted a qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts to identify recurring themes.

• While statistical data is useful, a thorough qualitative analysis provides deeper insights into patient experiences.

  While statistical data is useful, a thorough qualitative analysis provides deeper insights into patient experiences.

• Our study relies on qualitative analysis, focusing on historical documents and personal diaries.

  Our study relies on qualitative analysis, focusing on historical documents and personal diaries.

• She decided to use qualitative analysis to explore the cultural impact of the new policy.

  She decided to use qualitative analysis to explore the cultural impact of the new policy.

• The chapter concludes with a detailed qualitative analysis of the focus group discussions.

  The chapter concludes with a detailed qualitative analysis of the focus group discussions.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We did a qualitative analysis of the numeric survey results.

  ✓ We did a quantitative analysis of the numeric survey results.

  'Qualitative' refers to non-numerical data like text or interviews. For numbers, statistics, and mathematical measurements, use 'quantitative' instead.

• ✗ The qualitative analysis was calculated using SPSS statistical software.

  ✓ The qualitative analysis was conducted by coding the interview transcripts.

  Qualitative analysis is interpreted, categorized, or coded, not calculated mathematically using statistical software like SPSS.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of focusing on numbers, her thesis employs a __________ of semi-structured interviews.

  💡 An investigation of non-numerical data.

  Show answer

  qualitative analysis

• To understand customer motivations, the marketing team opted for a __________ of open-ended survey responses.

  💡 Examining words and themes rather than statistics.

  Show answer

  qualitative analysis