What is qualitative analysis?

Qualitative analysis is fundamentally about interpreting non-numerical data to uncover patterns, themes, and meanings within that data. This approach often involves analyzing text, interviews, open-ended survey responses, visual materials, or any other format that isn't strictly quantifiable. The goal of qualitative analysis is to gain deeper insights into participant experiences, beliefs, and behaviors, allowing researchers to understand the context and nuance behind the data.

This method stands in contrast to quantitative approaches, which rely on numerical data and statistical techniques to draw conclusions. By focusing on the richness of qualitative data, social workers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at play in a given context, leading to more informed interventions and practices. Engaging with qualitative analysis enables researchers to explore complex social phenomena that cannot be easily captured through numbers alone.