Qualitative data analysis involves which of the following?

• A. Using numerical summaries like mean and standard deviation
• B. Creating statistical models to predict outcomes
• C. Note-taking during fieldwork for records
• D. Interpreting non-numerical data like interviews and observations to identify themes

Answer: (D)

Qualitative data analysis is about making sense of non-numerical information—like interview transcripts, field notes, and observations—by identifying patterns, themes, and meanings. It turns rich, descriptive data into organized insights through coding and interpreting what people say and do to understand underlying ideas, experiences, or social processes. This is different from using numerical summaries or building statistical models, which deal with numbers and predictions. While taking notes during fieldwork is a crucial data collection step, the analysis focuses on extracting themes from those non-numerical data. So the interpretation of interviews and observations to identify themes best captures the essence of qualitative data analysis.