How does qualitative risk analysis differ from quantitative risk analysis?

Qualitative risk analysis involves evaluating the potential risks in a project through subjective judgments based on the characteristics and context of those risks. This analysis assesses risks primarily in terms of their impact and probability, allowing project managers to prioritize risks based on their likelihood of occurrence and potential effect on project objectives. This helps determine which risks need further attention or more detailed quantitative analysis.

In contrast, quantitative risk analysis involves numerical assessment and often requires extensive data to quantify the potential impact of risks, providing a more objective measure of risk. Therefore, understanding the qualitative approach's focus on descriptive information about risk characteristics and its emphasis on impact and probability demonstrates why this aspect is the distinguishing feature of qualitative risk analysis.