How do qualitative evaluation methods primarily differ from quantitative methods?

Qualitative evaluation methods primarily differ from quantitative methods in that they focus on understanding experiences and meanings. This approach is centered on capturing the complex and nuanced aspects of human behavior, emotions, and perceptions. Through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys, qualitative evaluations seek to provide depth and context, exploring how individuals interpret their experiences and the significance they attribute to them.

This focus on meaning and understanding allows researchers to capture rich, detailed data that can reveal insights not typically accessible through statistical or numerical analysis, which is the hallmark of quantitative methods. While quantitative approaches excel at measuring variables and identifying patterns through statistical tools, they often miss the subjective experiences that qualitative methods aim to explore.