Table 3: Quantitative and qualitative indicators11 Quantitative Qualitative Type Numbers Words Typical methods of collection Predefined options and closed questions in surveys, direct measurement, digital data collection. Open-ended questions in surveys and interviews, focus group discussions, observations, case studies. Analysis Statistical data methods (averages, correlations, summarisation). Thematic analysis of interviews and focus group discussions, case studies, examples/ stories of change. Targets and baselines Often easier to define and to communicate because they are more concrete. Can be more challenging to define and communicate because they are less concrete. Typical monitoring questions How much? How many? How often? How or why did something change? For whom? What is an example of a significant change? What were the gender implications? Indicator example(s) – outcomes • Enrolment rates for school-age children. • Number of treaty ratifications. • Evidence that community groups have the capacity to advocate for human rights. • Proportion of seats in the national parliament held by women. • Evidence that judges are competent to rule in family violence cases. • Number of incidences of family violence. • Country has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. • Country has abolished the death penalty. Indicator example(s) – outputs • The number of parliamentarians our NHRI will train on the human rights implications of family violence. • A submission that advances reconciliation and delivers social justice for indigenous peoples. • The number of advocacy events organised by our NHRI compared to previous year. • Establishment of a national campaign on the rights of LGBTQI, with support and buy-in from key LGBTQI groups. Distinguishing between qualitative and quantitative indicators is not always straightforward. Quantitative indicators—such as literacy rates—are also relevant for assessing the quality of an education system, such as the qualitative aspects of fulfilling the right to education. Human rights can never be fully measured in statistics and quantitative data; qualitative measures are also essential.12 That is why it is important to have a good understanding of both types of indicators and to use both when measuring your work. When you develop your indicators, focus on those that are essential rather than “nice to have”. This keeps the amount of data manageable and reduces the workload of those gathering the data. 39