In qualitative research, data analysis is typically non-statistical?

• A. Involves Inferential Statistics To Test Hypotheses
• B. Relies On Numerical Data To Calculate P-Values
• C. Is Generally Non-Statistical And Thematic
• D. Uses Standardized Instruments To Measure Outcomes

Answer: (C)

Qualitative data analysis centers on interpreting non-numeric data to uncover themes, patterns, and meanings. This approach emphasizes coding transcripts, identifying thematic categories, and describing relationships and contexts in rich, narrative detail rather than applying statistical tests. While frequencies or counts can be noted, they do not drive the analysis in the way p-values or statistical significance do in quantitative work. The goal is to understand participants’ perspectives and the contexts in which they occur, often through inductive reasoning and constant comparison across data. The other options describe quantitative methods—testing hypotheses with inferential statistics, relying on numerical data to produce p-values, and using standardized instruments to measure outcomes—which are not the primary tools of qualitative analysis.