Data Visualization Quantitative data can be visualized through tables and figures, such as bar charts, line charts, mapping and many more options. It is essential to consider how you label the axes and tables along with the colors used in the figures to help visualize the data collected. It is possible to create simple tables and figures in Microsoft Excel, and other software, such as Tableau41 is available for more advanced users to create interactive data visualizations. Resources – Further Reading Using Graphs and Charts42 How Charts Lie43 Displaying Data Effectively44 Interactive Chart Chooser45
Part B. Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis Qualitative data can include almost any non-numerical data. It includes visually or audibly observing people to make inferences on behavior and reasons behind their behavior.46 Besides natural observations, qualitative data can be more formalized where participants share verbal anecdotes related to the purpose of the evaluation (e.g., program impact, challenges faced, supports needed, suggestions). There are pros and cons to consider when selecting qualitative data elements (see Table 8).
Table 8. The Pros and Cons of Qualitative Data Collection Pros
Cons
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• • •
• • •
Powerful method of storytelling Yields data with greater depth for further analysis and reflection Provides context to findings from quantitative data More flexible data collection than quantitative data collection Informs the development of quantitative evaluation tools
•
Typically requires use of trained interviewers/ moderators Can be time-intensive Participants may be less willing to participate, depending on the sensitivity of the topic of discussion Qualitative data analysis can be subjective and timeintensive, depending on the volume of the data being analyzed
Collecting Qualitative Data
Tools and Resources Interviews47 Focus Groups48 Observation49 Evaluate the Quality of Questions50
The Little Rock, Arkansas, Be Mighty campaign combats hunger by serving free meals to children at numerous community locations. 28 | 2022 National Recreation and Park Association
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CENTRAL ARKANSAS LIBRARY SYSTEM
The primary methods of collecting qualitative data are through virtual/phone or in-person interviews and focus groups. Other options for collecting qualitative data are through direct observations, case studies, open-ended responses to surveys and social media comments.
