Gathering Qualitative Primary Data
In this video, we turn our attention to qualitative primary data — the stories, perspectives, and lived experiences that give depth and meaning to your needs assessment. While quantitative data tells you what is happening, qualitative data helps you understand why. Both are essential, and NCHEC expects you to know how and when to use each.
We cover the most common qualitative data collection methods used in health education, discuss how to select the right approach for different populations and settings, and break down how these concepts show up on the CHES and MCHES exams.
What's Covered
- What qualitative primary data is and its role in needs assessment
- Common collection methods including focus groups, interviews, and observation
- Selecting the right method based on population and context
- Strengths and limitations of qualitative approaches
- How qualitative and quantitative data work together in assessment
- How NCHEC frames qualitative data collection in exam scenarios