Qualitative Data Types

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining various kinds of qualitative data collection methods and sources.

Interview Data

Information gathered by asking participants open-ended questions to explore their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions in depth.

Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Data

Data collected from a small group of participants discussing a specific topic, where interaction allows the researcher to identify shared ideas and differing viewpoints.

Observation Data (Descriptive)

Information obtained by carefully watching and recording people's behaviors, actions, and interactions without directly asking questions.

Document Analysis Data

Information gathered from existing written, printed, or digital materials such as journals, essays, reports, social media posts, school documents, or chat messages.

Audio Data

Spoken information collected through voice recordings, interviews, podcasts, speeches, or classroom discussions, where researchers analyze tone, choice of words, and spoken responses.

Video Data

Information collected from video recordings that capture participants' actions, facial expressions, gestures, interactions, and communication.

Visual Data

Non-written materials such as photographs, drawings, screenshots, posters, infographics, or digital images that provide meaningful information.

Narrative Data

Detailed personal stories or life experiences shared by participants to help researchers understand how individuals make sense of their experiences over time.

Field Notes

Written notes recorded by the researcher during observations, interviews, or fieldwork, including descriptions, impressions, participant behaviors, and contextual details.

Open-Ended Survey Responses

Responses to survey questions that allow participants to answer freely using their own words rather than selecting fixed choices.