Use Sophia to knock out your gen-ed requirements quickly and affordably. Learn more
×

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

Author: Nathan Lampson

 

During the course of an experiment, two types of data can be collected.

 

Quantitative Data is data dealing with numbers.  When quantities are recorded during an experiment, the quantities are considered quantitative data.

Example:

There are 13 trees in the 6 acre area.

The number of trees is a quantity.

 

Qualitative Data is data dealing with descriptions.  When qualities of an experiment are being recorded, the qualities are considered qualitative data.

Example:

The birds in the 6 acre area are blue, red, and yellow.

The color of the birds is a quality.

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations