Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Qualitative data is descriptive, expressed in terms of language rather than numerical values. It describes information and cannot be measured or counted. It also refers to the words or labels used to describe certain characteristics or traits.
Quantitative Data
Quantitative data is numerical and can be counted or measured, such as height or temperature. It refers to any information that can be quantified — that is, numbers. If it can be counted or measured, and given a numerical value, it’s quantitative in nature. Think of it as a measuring stick. Quantitative data is used to quantify and test hypotheses.
Qualitative vs Quantitative Data
| Qualitative Data | Quantitative Data |
|---|---|
| 1. It uses methods like interviews, participant observation, focus on a grouping to gain collective information. | 1. It uses methods as questionnaires, surveys, and structural observations to gain collective information. |
| 2. Data format used in it is textual. | 2. Data format used in it is numerical. |
| 3. The data is analyzed by grouping it into different categories. | 3. The data is analyzed by statistical methods. |
| 4. Qualitative data talks about the experience or quality and explains the questions like 'why' and 'how'. | 4. Quantitative data talks about the quantity and explains the questions like 'how much', 'how many. |
| 5. Qualitative data are subjective and can be further open for interpretation. | 5. Quantitative data are fixed and universal. |