Which term describes the use of numerical indicators to guide decisions?

Which term describes the use of numerical indicators to guide decisions?

• A. Qualitative assessment
• B. Local planning
• C. Narrative evaluation
• D. Quantitative assessment

Answer: (D)

Using numerical indicators to guide decisions means gathering data that can be counted or measured and using those numbers to inform actions. This is quantitative assessment. It emphasizes objectivity, measurability, and the ability to compare data, track progress over time, and set specific targets. For example, a school might analyze graduation rates, attendance, and test scores to decide where to focus resources—the numbers provide a standard by which outcomes are judged and decisions are justified. Qualitative assessment, by contrast, relies on descriptive information like interviews, open-ended responses, and observations, which illuminate experiences and contexts but don’t hinge on numeric benchmarks. Narrative evaluation centers on stories and qualitative descriptions to convey findings. Local planning refers to the process of planning at a local level and may incorporate data, but it isn’t defined by the use of numerical indicators to steer decisions.

Using numerical indicators to guide decisions means gathering data that can be counted or measured and using those numbers to inform actions. This is quantitative assessment. It emphasizes objectivity, measurability, and the ability to compare data, track progress over time, and set specific targets. For example, a school might analyze graduation rates, attendance, and test scores to decide where to focus resources—the numbers provide a standard by which outcomes are judged and decisions are justified.

Qualitative assessment, by contrast, relies on descriptive information like interviews, open-ended responses, and observations, which illuminate experiences and contexts but don’t hinge on numeric benchmarks. Narrative evaluation centers on stories and qualitative descriptions to convey findings. Local planning refers to the process of planning at a local level and may incorporate data, but it isn’t defined by the use of numerical indicators to steer decisions.