Quantitative vs. Qualitative

What is an observation?

• A description about an object, phenomena, or living things. It describes quantities, qualities, facts, etc.

• Made using the five senses or tools

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

2 types of data• Qualitative • Quantitative

On a sheet of paper, draw a bubble map like the one below

Quantitative Qualitative

Quantitative Data

• Using numbers to represent data. • “Think Quantity”• Measurements• Examples: temperature, time, distance, etc

Qualitative Data

• Descriptions in words of what is being observed.

• “Think quality”• They are based on what you observe• Examples: color, odor, texture, etc.

ExampleSuppose a marine biologist observes the behavior and activities of dolphins. She identifies different dolphins within the group and observes them every day for a month. She records detailed observations about their behaviors. Some of her observations are qualitative data and some are quantitative data.

What are some examples of qualitative data that we can obtain from this picture?

What are some examples of quantitative data that we can obtain from this picture?

Quantitative Data•There are 3 dolphins in this pod.

Qualitative Data

•Dolphin colors range from gray to white.•The dolphins are jumping

Let’s Practice…Suppose that you are a biologist studying elephants in their natural habitat in Africa. You observe their behaviors and interaction, and take photographs of their interactions to study later. Examine the photograph of the elephants shown above.

Analyze Give two examples of qualitative data that could be obtained from the photograph of the elephants.

Analyze Give two examples of qualitative data that could be obtained from the photograph of the elephants.

Let’s Practice…Quantitative or Qualitative??

A group of scientists were examining a rock from the planet Mars. They ran several tests on it and made many observations. First of all, they saw that the rock was deep purple in color. The mass of the rock was 17.24 grams. The rock was about 9 cm long. It was also had thirty-two tiny pits in it. The texture of the rock was very rough. It also had a really bad odor. It was definitely flammable because parts of it caught fire as one scientist accidentally placed the rock next to a heat source. The rock had a volume of 152 cm3. Interestingly, the rock was always very hot. This Mars rock sure was strange.

1. The gummy worm increased by 2 inches.

2. There were four dogs in the group.

3. The dogs were small. 4. The sample contained 3 different types of bacteria.

5. The patient complained of aches and pains.

6. The patient had a temperature 102 degrees.

7. The chimp identified 12 pictures correctly.

8. The parrots range from bright green to dark red.

9. The balloon increased in size from 5 inches to 8 inches around.

You try… Determine whether the following statements are quantitative or qualitative data. Write the answers on the same sheet as your bubble map. Work quietly and independently.