As you plan for data collection, it is also important to distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data. In addition to being collected in different ways, these data are also expressed differently.
- Quantitative data is expressed in numerical terms.
- Qualitative data is represented in words, collected either verbally or in writing.
In order to have a high-quality community assessment, it is necessary to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. If you can visualize ahead of time how the data might be displayed in graphs, tables, or charts, you will have a frame of reference for organizing your information.
Have your program’s previous community assessment reports had a good mix of qualitative and quantitative data? What are the benefits of each kind of data?
Table 2.2: Displaying the Data
| Data that are… | can be explained in a… |
|---|---|
| in numbers or percentages |  table  pie chart  graph |
| in written or spoken words |  narrative  case study  table |
| geographic |  map  diagram  photograph |
Everything you have done so far has laid a solid foundation for Step 3, Gather Data. This next phase will establish the method you will use to gather the data, who you will engage, and what questions you will ask. Use the A Closer Look: Responsible Data Management to review how to treat community assessment data in a respectful way that upholds the rights of the people whose data is collected.
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Resource Type: Article
National Centers: Program Management and Fiscal Operations
Audience: Directors and Managers
Last Updated: July 18, 2024