Qualitative and quantitative data
You need the numbers and the reasons.
Quantitative data shows scale, patterns and change. Qualitative data shows experience, context and why a pattern may exist. A strong assessment explains how both were collected, who took part, what the evidence showed, and how it affected priorities.
What counts
Quantitative evidence
Poverty rates, income, housing cost burden, unemployment, health coverage, program counts and numerical survey results can all help. Name the source, table or dataset, years, geography and population. Include margins of error when they materially affect the reading.
Qualitative evidence
Interviews, focus groups, listening sessions, community forums and open-ended survey responses can show what people experience. State who participated, how people with low incomes were included, how the responses were analyzed, and the themes or findings that came out of the work.
What does not prove the point
- “We held focus groups” without the findings.
- A chart with no source year or geography.
- A survey total with no explanation of who responded.
- A long data appendix with no analysis in the report.
- Community comments that never connect to a need or priority.
Official sources
- Office of Community Services FY2023 priorities — explains how quantitative evidence supplies measurable patterns while qualitative evidence supplies depth and context.
- Texas CSBG community needs assessment guide — describes report sections for qualitative and quantitative data, analysis and findings.
- NASCSP community needs assessment resources.
See where the draft shows both kinds of evidence.
The check points to passages. A person still decides whether they are enough.
Check your draft