What distinguishes qualitative indicators from quantitative indicators?

Qualitative indicators are characterized by their focus on capturing the quality of a phenomenon, which may encompass aspects such as feelings, experiences, or overall impressions. These indicators provide descriptive information and aim to understand the attributes or characteristics of a subject without relying on numerical data. On the other hand, quantitative indicators are inherently numerical and are used to measure the quantity of a variable—these can be percentages, counts, or any form of measurable data that allows for statistical analysis.

In this context, the distinction is critical: qualitative indicators provide depth and context to understand the 'why' and 'how' behind a situation, while quantitative indicators give a more straightforward numerical representation that can be easily analyzed for trends or comparisons. This difference is foundational in research and data analysis, where each type of indicator serves a unique purpose in assessing and evaluating information.