Qualitative data

‘We want to use clients’ stories because the story is so complex, and they are so powerful.’

Clients’ stories are generally called qualitative data. This is descriptive data and it’s best used to describe emotions, insights, reactions and experiences.

This is a list of the ways you can collect qualitative data. There are links for more information.

• Group activities
  
  • Focus groups
  • Group interviews
  • Interactive group exercises
• Semi-structured interviews
• Case studies
• Diaries (completed by clients)
• Observation
• Visual methods

Quantitative data

‘We want to find out how many of our clients are achieving the goals they’ve set for themselves.’

Quantitative data is numerical data and it’s best used to answer questions like ‘how many?’, ‘how much?’ and ‘how often?’

This is a list of the ways you can collect qualitative data. There are links for more information.

• Surveys (online or paper) and questionnaires:
  
  • including closed questions with tick box answers
  • including open questions which ask people to write a response
  • ratings scales
• Tests and forms

See How to create questions for a survey for more information on closed and open questions.

Services often measure changes in client’s lives by using screening tests or assessment tools. They can be completed by the client alone or by the client and worker together.What tools should we use?

You need to decide whether you will create your own tools or use ‘off-the-shelf’ tools: You may want a tool tailored especially for your service; the links to the How tos above will help you create your own. If you are interested in looking at tools used in other services similar to your own, check out The TasCOSS Tool Box! This is a guide to some of the many tools available. Many are free, some aren’t.