What is an advantage of using qualitative data in program evaluation?

Using qualitative data in program evaluation has the significant advantage of offering an in-depth understanding of participants' experiences. This approach allows evaluators to capture the complexity of human experiences, perceptions, and emotions regarding a program. Qualitative methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observations, provide rich narratives and detailed insights that can uncover nuances which quantitative data might overlook.

This qualitative richness is particularly valuable in understanding the context in which a program operates, identifying factors that contribute to success or challenges, and exploring the subjective implications of program interventions on participants’ lives. It provides a holistic view that can inform program improvement and enhance the relevance and responsiveness of programs to the needs of those they serve.

While other options suggest benefits related to quantitative data (such as numerical evidence or statistical correlations), these do not capture the essence of qualitative data’s strength, which lies in its ability to facilitate a deeper exploration of the human experience within the program being evaluated.