Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of Qualitative data?

1. Survey

2. Polls

3. Interview

4. Longitudinal Studies

The correct answer is: Interview

Qualitative data is defined by its focus on capturing the qualities or characteristics of a subject rather than quantifying it with numbers. This type of data is often gathered through methods that explore experiences, feelings, and opinions. Interviews stand out as a prime example of qualitative data collection. They provide in-depth information through open-ended questions, allowing participants to express their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives in a narrative form. This richness and context of information are pivotal for qualitative analysis since the aim is to understand complex behaviors and social phenomena. The other options, while potentially useful for gathering data, are more aligned with quantitative analysis. Surveys and polls often yield numerical results that can be analyzed statistically, focusing on measurable outcomes. Longitudinal studies, although they can include qualitative aspects, primarily involve repeated observations measured over time, fostering a quantitative approach to understanding changes or trends in specified variables.