What is the main difference between quantitative and qualitative assessments?

The distinction between quantitative and qualitative assessments is fundamentally rooted in the type of data each approach gathers and analyzes. Quantitative assessments are characterized by their reliance on numeric data. This means that the outcomes of such assessments can be measured, quantified, and statistically analyzed, often allowing for the identification of patterns, trends, and relationships among variables. This type of data is typically collected through structured methods such as surveys with closed-ended questions, tests, or other instruments that yield measurable results.

On the other hand, qualitative assessments focus on collecting descriptive insights that provide a deeper understanding of complex phenomena. These assessments might involve interviews, open-ended survey responses, or observational studies that highlight experiences, thoughts, and feelings, which cannot be easily quantified.

This context helps to clarify why the main difference centers on the nature of the data collected: quantitative assessments deal with numbers and measurable variables, which is distinctly different from the descriptive and contextual information gathered from qualitative assessments. Other choices present notions about subjectivity and the use of statistics that do not accurately reflect the core differences between the two assessment types.