kvalitativ

Kvalitativ is an adjective used in Swedish (and Norwegian) to describe quality-related attributes or non-numeric aspects. In academic and professional contexts it often contrasts with kvantitativ, which emphasizes measurement, frequency and numerical analysis. Kvalitativ data and descriptions focus on meaning, interpretation and context rather than numerical precision.

In research, kvalitativ metodik aims to understand how people experience, perceive and construct social realities. Data are typically non-numeric and collected through methods such as interviews, focus groups, observations, ethnography, document or text analysis, and case studies. Analysis tends to be iterative and interpretive, with researchers coding data into themes, patterns and concepts, and developing explanations grounded in the material.

The approach prioritizes depth over breadth, seeking to uncover processes, motivations and situational factors. Results are commonly presented as thematic descriptions, narrative accounts, case descriptions or theory-building rather than statistical generalizations. Researchers often address credibility and transferability through strategies such as triangulation, reflexivity, thick description and transparent documentation of analytic decisions.

Kvalitativ bewertet many domains, including social sciences, education, health, anthropology, linguistics and market research. It is used to study language use, identities, cultural practices, user experiences and organizational dynamics, among other topics. While powerful for exploring complex phenomena, kvalitativ work may face challenges related to subjectivity, limited generalizability and demands on time and analytic rigor.

See also: qualitative research, qualitative data, thematic analysis, grounded theory, ethnography.