Evaluation Methods:
Qualitative data is text-based information that is collected systematically, and can be used to understand how a program operates or how participants experience a program. Qualitative analysis is a process of using systematic techniques to understand, reduce, organize and draw conclusions from qualitative data.
Qualitative methods examine phenomena in depth and in detail without predetermined categories or hypotheses. The emphasis is on understanding the phenomena as it exists. Examples of qualitative methods are document review, observation, interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
Quantitative data is information in numeric format. Statistical analysis is performed on the quantitative data to understand it and to identify relationships between and among variables.
Quantitative methods seek the facts or causes of phenomena which can be expressed numerically and analyzed statistically, the main interest being the generalizability of results. Quantitative methods consist of standardized, structured data collection including surveys or questionnaires, closed-ended interviews, tests or assessments, and review of secondary or pre-existing data.