Kvalitativní

Kvalitativní is a Czech adjective meaning “qualitative” and is used in a variety of academic, scientific, and professional contexts to denote approaches, methods, or characteristics that focus on the quality, nature, or inherent properties of a subject rather than on numerical measurement. In the social sciences, a kvalitativní výzkum (qualitative research) investigates phenomena through non‑statistical means such as interviews, participant observation, document analysis, and case studies, aiming to capture meanings, experiences, and social processes. The findings are typically presented in narrative form, thematic categories, or conceptual models, and they emphasize depth, context, and interpretive insight.

In the natural sciences and engineering, the term may describe kvalitativní analýza (qualitative analysis), which assesses the presence or type of components—such as chemical substances or material phases—without determining exact concentrations. Such analyses often rely on visual observation, color reactions, or characteristic physical behaviors. In linguistics, kvalitativní lingvistika refers to the study of language features, stylistic nuances, and discourse patterns, contrasting with quantitative corpus statistics.

The notion of kvalitativní also appears in quality management, where it signals an emphasis on the improvement of product or service attributes, customer satisfaction, and process effectiveness, rather than solely on measurable performance indicators. In education, kvalitativní hodnocení (qualitative assessment) involves descriptive feedback on student work, focusing on competence development and learning processes. Across disciplines, the use of the term underscores a methodological preference for descriptive richness, contextual understanding, and interpretive depth, complementing quantitative approaches that rely on numerical data.