Qualitative writing relies on non-numerical detail and description, often used in research fields lacking precise quantified data. Language must be precise and objective, describing methods used to obtain observations. Fiction and poetry are not typically labeled as qualitative writing. Building writing skills is important for non-numerical research.
Qualitative writing is a form of writing that relies on non-numerical detail and description instead of a presentation of quantified numerical data. The distinction is often very important in research fields that may be based on both numerical data and qualitative descriptions. Useful qualitative writing must still maintain a high degree of precision and careful use of language despite the lack of precise numerical data. Case studies, particularly in the fields of sociology and psychology, often result in research papers lacking precise quantified data. In such cases, an exact and careful discussion of the methods used and the results observed is extremely important, as language is the only way to communicate results that do not return precise numerical results.
In the absence of quantitative data, the writer must rely entirely on language to express the collected data in qualitative writing. This can be both practical and ethically difficult, given the difficulties of putting some observations into words and the ease with which language can be used to subtly express a certain opinion. A reader is free to make his own judgments when he examines a table containing objective numerical data on an experiment, for example. When qualitative writing is to be used, however, it is important to strive for the same level of objectivity through precise use of language and through the conscious omission of anything that might sway the reader’s opinions.
A very important aspect of expressing observations through qualitative writing is to clearly describe the methods used to obtain those observations. A reader can develop a much clearer understanding of the findings presented if he understands the context in which they were found. The reader can also identify any biases or problems with the results that might be introduced by the methods used. The purpose of qualitative writing in the context of research is generally to present some final analytical result. The results presented can only be considered valid within the framework of the methods used to obtain them.
Other traditionally non-numerical forms of writing, such as fiction and poetry, are rarely labeled “qualitative writing.” Technically, they tend to be qualitative writes by virtue of the lack of numerical data, but labeling these types of writing as such is often not fruitful because such writing is generally assumed to be language-based rather than data-based. The term is, therefore, more commonly used to refer to formal research-based writing, as the division between qualitative and quantitative data is very important in the context of research. Building the writing skills necessary to objectively and clearly express non-numerical research findings are of the utmost importance to those who commonly conduct non-numerical research.
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