What is qualitative data?
Data does not have to be in numeric form - it can also be in words and descriptions.
Types of qualitative data
Qualitative data can take many forms. Some common types are:
- Questionnaires - this is when people are asked what they think. Questionnaires are good at finding out opinions, but they may be less accurate when looking for facts.
- Field sketches and photographs - this is when a snapshot of a landscape is taken, either with a camera or by drawing. Field sketches and photographs provide a good reminder of what a place is like.
A field sketch
- Maps - these can be either hand-drawn or sourced from somewhere like the internet. Maps give spatial information about places. Satellite images and GIS maps are types of map that can be used for fieldwork.