Which evaluation type emphasizes descriptive data rather than numerical scores?

Which evaluation type emphasizes descriptive data rather than numerical scores?

• A. Formative evaluation
• B. Pilot course
• C. Kirkpatrick model
• D. Qualitative evaluation

Answer: (D)

Qualitative evaluation emphasizes descriptive data rather than numerical scores. It relies on non-numeric methods such as interviews, open-ended surveys, observations, and document analysis to capture experiences, perceptions, and context in rich, narrative form. The goal is to understand how and why a program works, what participants think, and the meanings they attach to their experiences, rather than to quantify outcomes or assign numeric ratings. Other approaches often involve measurement with numbers: a formative evaluation focuses on ongoing feedback to improve a program and can include metrics; a pilot course is a trial of a course design; the Kirkpatrick model provides a framework with levels that typically incorporate quantitative and qualitative data but is not defined by a descriptive-data emphasis.

Qualitative evaluation emphasizes descriptive data rather than numerical scores. It relies on non-numeric methods such as interviews, open-ended surveys, observations, and document analysis to capture experiences, perceptions, and context in rich, narrative form. The goal is to understand how and why a program works, what participants think, and the meanings they attach to their experiences, rather than to quantify outcomes or assign numeric ratings. Other approaches often involve measurement with numbers: a formative evaluation focuses on ongoing feedback to improve a program and can include metrics; a pilot course is a trial of a course design; the Kirkpatrick model provides a framework with levels that typically incorporate quantitative and qualitative data but is not defined by a descriptive-data emphasis.