Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

The classification of tools as qualitative or quantitative generally depends on the type of data they collect or represent. In this case, process observations qualify as qualitative tools because they involve collecting non-numerical data through subjective assessment, experiences, and interpretations of processes and behaviors.

Process observations focus on understanding the context, conditions, and nuances of the activities being evaluated, which can reveal insights about the quality of processes that are not easily captured with numerical data alone. This qualitative approach is essential in auditing because it allows for a deeper understanding of the processes and can help identify areas for improvement based on observed performance and practices.

On the other hand, histograms, frequency distributions, and Pareto charts are all quantitative tools. They rely on numerical data to summarize information visually, making it easier to identify patterns and anomalies in the data. These tools provide statistical insight, which is very useful in tracking quality performance and making data-driven decisions.