Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Statistics is all about study and collection of data. In our earlier topic, we have discussed primary and secondary data. Primary data is the data acquired by the researcher to address the problem at hand, which is classified as qualitative data and quantitative data. Qualitative data is a 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.

These data types are used in a number of fields like marketing, sociology, business, public health and so on. Take a read of this article to know the difference between qualitative and quantitative data.

Content: Qualitative Vs Quantitative Data

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Qualitative Data	Quantitative Data
Meaning	Qualitative data is the data in which the classification of objects is based on attributes and properties.	Quantitative Data is the type of data which can be measured and expressed numerically.
Research Methodology	Exploratory	Conclusive
Approach	Subjective	Objective
Analysis	Non-Statistical	Statistical
Collection of data	Unstructured	Structured
Determines	Depth of understanding	Level of occurrence
Asks	Why?	How many or How much?
Sample	Small number of non-representative samples	Large number of representative samples
Outcome	Develops initial understanding.	Recommends final course of action.

Definition of Qualitative Data

Qualitative Data refers to the data that provides insights and understanding about a particular problem. It can be approximated but cannot be computed. Hence, the researcher should possess complete knowledge about the type of characteristic, prior to the collection of data.

The nature of data is descriptive and so it is a bit difficult to analyze it. This type of data can be classified into categories, on the basis of physical attributes and properties of the object. The data is interpreted as spoken or written narratives rather than numbers. It is concerned with the data that is observable in terms of smell, appearance, taste, feel, texture, gender, nationality and so on. The methods of collecting qualitative data are:

• Focus Group
• Observation
• Interviews
• Archival Materials like newspapers.

Definition of Quantitative Data

Quantitative Data, as the name suggests is one which deals with quantity or numbers. It refers to the data which computes the values and counts and can be expressed in numerical terms is called quantitative data. In statistics, most of the analysis are conducted using this data.

Quantitative data may be used in computation and statistical test. It is concerned with measurements like height, weight, volume, length, size, humidity, speed, age etc. The tabular and diagrammatic presentation of data is also possible, in the form of charts, graphs, tables, etc. Further, the quantitative data can be classified as discrete or continuous data. the methods used for the collection of data are:

• Surveys
• Experiments
• Observations and Interviews

Conclusion

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 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.