Qualitative vs. quantitative data, what’s the difference?
It’s true, not all data is the same – even when it’s collected from the same object!
In this post, we’ll explore four different types of data:
- Qualitative
- Quantitative
- Discrete
- Continuous
To see how data can differ, let’s dive into this interactive activity!
Comparing Qualitative vs Quantitative Data
Although both of these words may sound similar, they actually describe very different types of data.
Qualitative
Qualitative being a quality-based description. Some examples of qualitative data include:
- The car is blue
- The car is a sedan
- The car has advanced navigation
Quantitative
Quantitative data aligns with a quantity or number-based description. Some examples of quantitative data include:
- The car has four wheels
- The car is 12 feet long
- The car weighs 1,020 pounds
Discrete vs Continuous Data
Quantitative data can be divided further into discrete and continuous data.
Discrete
Discrete data is information that is collected by counting, such as the number of wheels on a car. Data is considered discrete when the values included in a set are distinct.
Continuous
Continuous data is directly measured through the use of a tool, such as the volume of liquid in a container. Data is considered continuous when the values included in a set can take on any value within an interval.
Materials
- Paper
- Writing utensil
- Ruler
- Scale
- Thermometer
- Plant (can be inside or outside)
- Cup of warm water
- Book
How to Do the Data Experiment
Step 1
First, observe the plant and collect data on the following questions. Label the answers as qualitative, discrete, or continuous.
How tall is the plant?
What is the color of the plant?
How many leaves does the plant have?
Now write another thing you notice about the plant (it can be anything!) and then determine whether it is qualitative, discrete, or continuous data.
Step 2
Now take the cup of warm water and collect data according to the following questions. Label the answers as qualitative, discrete, or continuous.
How would you describe the clarity of the water? (how easily you can see through it to objects on the other side)
What is the temperature of the water?
How many air bubbles are there in the cup of water?
Again, write another observation about the water and then describe it as qualitative, discrete, or continuous data.
Step 3
Finally, take a book of your choice and collect data according to the following questions and label the answers the same as in the previous steps.
How many chapters are there in the book?
How are the pages held together? (paperback or hardcover?)
How much does the book weigh? (in either pounds or kilograms)
Write one last thing about the book that you notice and file it under qualitative, discrete, or continuous data.
Try this! Try repeating the process of one of the previous steps with another household object but try using a new measuring tool such as a measuring cup.
STEM Q for You: What do you notice about the questions for discrete data? … These questions all start with ‘how many’, a phrase that is almost always answered by counting! Try thinking of a ‘how many’ question that is not answered by counting!
Answer Key
Step 1
Continuous, qualitative, discrete.
Step 2
Qualitative, continuous, discrete.
Step 3
Discrete, qualitative, continuous.
