Qualitative data analysis is typically which type?

• A. Statistical Modeling
• B. Quantitative Coding
• C. Inferential Testing
• D. Non-Statistical

Answer: (D)

Qualitative data analysis centers on interpreting non-numeric information to uncover themes and meanings. Data like interview transcripts, field notes, or open-ended survey responses are examined by coding passages into concepts, comparing patterns across cases, and building a narrative or theory about the phenomenon. The goal is depth, context, and interpretation rather than measurement or statistical generalization, so the approach is non-statistical. In contrast, statistical modeling and inferential testing rely on numeric data to quantify relationships and make probabilistic inferences, which isn’t the hallmark of qualitative analysis. While coding occurs in qualitative work to organize text, it aims to reveal themes rather than convert data into numbers for statistical analysis.