Viewed 13 April, 2013. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/epidemiology/en/ 2. Qualitative research, and qualitative understanding, is very useful in translating certain ideas into words that can be more readily understood by the researcher. Quality is understood as a subjective term and by trying to model quality into a form that can be translated mathematically allows this type of data to be manipulated and crafted to fit certain arguments. Descriptive terms such as good and bad are relative terms and qualitative analysis seeks to standardize these terms in order to communicate their understanding of these terms to more complex and mathematically-based languages.

Oftentimes researchers will use qualitative words, phrases and meanings and somehow translate them into numerical data that then can be processed and put through the statistical wringer. The human condition works with both qualitative and quantitative aspects within the brain. Focusing too much...

Balance is key in this equation. Only when quality and quantity are melded together in a harmonic fashion, can we see the true advantage of modeling our understanding of the world on this type of research.
3. Qualitative research is important in public health because it attempts to create a language or means of understanding that links subjective thought to objective thought. Health is all about "feeling good" and energized. These words mean so many different things to so many different people. Qualitative analysis is mandatory in order to successfully grasp ideas of wellness into a standard and more general understanding. Qualitative research must be incorporated with solid quantitative analysis to complete the circle and make honest and reasonable arguments that can be used to help health care workers to maximize their time and resources into healing and care taking.