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 Electronic maps with layers added to display information about the area. maps are types of map that can be used for fieldwork.