Laadullinen

Laadullinen is the Finnish adjective meaning qualitative. In research and analysis, it denotes approaches that focus on qualities, meanings, and interpretations rather than numerical measurements. Laadullinen tutkimus aims to understand phenomena in their context, exploring how people experience and interpret events, interactions, and social processes. It is typically contrasted with määrällinen, or quantitative, approaches that seek variables, measurements, and statistical generalizations.

Laadulliset data are commonly collected through interviews, open-ended questionnaires, participant observation, focus groups, and document or content analysis. Samples are usually small and selected purposively to capture variation and depth, rather than to achieve statistical representativeness. Data analysis is often iterative and involves coding the material, identifying themes, and building interpretations through pattern recognition and comparison. Common analytical approaches include thematic analysis, content analysis, grounded theory, narrative analysis, and phenomenology.

Laadullinen tutkimus emphasizes context, complexity, and meaning. Researchers consider their own role and potential biases, applying strategies such as triangulation, member checking, and thick description to support credibility. Results are presented as rich descriptions, interpretations, and explanations rather than universal laws, which means transfers of findings may depend on similarity of contexts.

The term is widely used across the social sciences, education, health sciences, and humanities, particularly in Finland and other Nordic contexts. Etymologically, laadullinen derives from laatu, meaning quality, and is contrasted with määrällinen, meaning quantitative or count-based.