What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative with examples?

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative with examples?
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative with examples?

Table of Contents

  • Quantitative and Qualitative Data Definition
    • Read Also: Data and its types
  • Key Differences (Quantitative vs Qualitative Data)
  • Quantitative Data Collection Methods
  • Qualitative Data Collection Methods
  •  References

Quantitative and Qualitative Data Definition

Qualitative data is data concerned with descriptions, which can be observed but cannot be computed. On the contrary, quantitative data is the one that focuses on numbers and mathematical calculations and can be calculated and computed.

  • So, for the collection and measurement of data, any of the two methods discussed above can be used.
  • Although both have its merits and demerits, i.e. while qualitative data lacks reliability, quantitative data lacks a description.
  • Both are used in conjunction so that the data gathered is free from any errors.
  • Further, both can be acquired from the same data unit only their variables of interest are different, i.e. numerical in case of quantitative data and categorical in qualitative data.

Read Also: Data and its types

Key Differences (Quantitative vs Qualitative Data)

S.N.CharacterQuantitative DataQualitative Data1.      DefinitionThese are data that deal with quantities, values, or numbers.These data, on the other hand, deals with quality.2.      MeasurabilityMeasurable.They are generally not measurable.3.      Nature of DataExpressed in numerical form.They are descriptive rather than numerical in nature.4.      Research MethodologyConclusiveExploratory5.      Quantities measuredMeasures quantities such as length, size, amount, price, and even duration.Narratives often make use of adjectives and other descriptive words to refer to data on appearance, color, texture, and other qualities.6.      Method of collection

 

Statistics is used to generate and subsequently analyze this type of data.They are only gained mostly through observation.7.      ApproachObjective Subjective8.      Data StructureStructuredUnstructured9.      DeterminesLevel of occurrenceDepth of understanding10.   ReliabilityThe uses of statistics add credence or credibility to it so that quantitative data is overall seen as more reliable and objective.Less reliable and objective.11.   Data Collection TechniquesQuantitative surveys, Interviews, ExperimentsQualitative surveys,  Focus group methods, Documental revision, etc.12.   SampleA large number of representative samplesA small number of non-representative samples13.   OutcomeDevelops initial understandingRecommends the final course of action

Quantitative Data Collection Methods

  • Data can be readily quantified and generated into numerical form, which will then be converted and processed into useful information mathematically.
  • The result is often in the form of statistics that is meaningful and, therefore, useful.
  • Unlike qualitative methods, these quantitative techniques usually make use of larger sample sizes because its measurable nature makes that possible and easier.

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Qualitative Data Collection Methods

  • Exploratory in nature, these methods are mainly concerned at gaining insights and understanding of underlying reasons and motivations, so they tend to dig deeper.
  • Since they cannot be quantified, measurability becomes an issue.
  • This lack of measurability leads to the preference for methods or tools that are largely unstructured or, in some cases, maybe structured but only to a very small, limited extent.
  • Generally, qualitative methods are time-consuming and expensive to conduct, and so researchers try to lower the costs incurred by decreasing the sample size or number of respondents.

    What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative?

    Quantitative studies rely on numerical or measurable data. In contrast, qualitative studies rely on personal accounts or documents that illustrate in detail how people think or respond within society.

    What is qualitative with an example?

    Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics. It is collected using questionnaires, interviews, or observation, and frequently appears in narrative form. For example, it could be notes taken during a focus group on the quality of the food at Cafe Mac, or responses from an open-ended questionnaire.

    What is an example of quantitative example?

    Quantitative data examples in research Weight in pounds. Length in inches. Distance in miles. Number of days in a year.

    What is one example of qualitative data and one example of Quantitative data?

    Examples of quantitative data include numerical values such as measurements, cost, and weight; examples of qualitative data include descriptions (or labels) of certain attributes, such as “brown eyes” or “vanilla flavored ice cream”.