These procedures are exploratory scientific investigations designed to gather an in-depth understanding of underlying opinions, reasons, assumptions, and motivations. Rather than focusing on numerical data, they seek to describe qualities, characteristics, and properties of a phenomenon. An example is observing consumer behavior in a store to understand purchasing decisions, where researchers note patterns of interaction with products rather than counting the number of items purchased.
The value of these assessments lies in their ability to provide rich contextual information that cannot be obtained through numerical measurement alone. They can uncover unforeseen issues, inform quantitative studies, and enhance the interpretation of statistical findings. Historically, such assessments have been used in a variety of fields, including sociology, psychology, marketing, and public health, to explore complex human experiences and social dynamics.
