Difference Between Qualitative and
Quantitative Data
Last updated on November 3, 2017 by Surbhi S
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
QUALITATIVE DATA QUANTITATIVE DATA
COMPARISON
Meaning Qualitative data is the data in which Quantitative Data is the type of
the classification of objects is based data which can be measured and
on attributes and properties. expressed numerically.
Research Exploratory Conclusive
Methodology
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 Large number of representative
samples 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
Key Differences Between Qualitative and
Quantitative Data
The fundamental points of difference between qualitative and
quantitative data are discussed below:
1. The data type, in which the classification of objects is based on
attributes (quality) is called qualitative data. The type of data which
can be counted and expressed in numbers and values is called
quantitative data.
2. The research methodology is exploratory in qualitative data, i.e. to
provide insights and understanding. On the other hand,
quantitative data is conclusive in nature which aims at testing a
specific hypothesis and examine the relationships.
3. The approach to inquiry in the case of qualitative data is subjective
and holistic whereas quantitative data has an objective and
focused approach.
4. When the data type is qualitative the analysis is non-statistical. As
opposed to quantitative data which uses statistical analysis.
5. In qualitative data, there is an unstructured gathering of data. As
against this, data collection is structured in quantitative data.
6. While qualitative data determines the depth of understanding,
quantitative data ascertains the level of occurrence.
7. Quantitative data is all about ‘How much or how many’. On the
contrary, qualitative data asks ‘Why?’
8. In qualitative data the sample size is small and that too is drawn
from non-representative samples. Conversely, the sample size is
large in quantitative data drawn from the representative sample.
9. Qualitative data develops initial understanding, i.e. it defines the
problem. Unlike quantitative data, which recommends the final
course of action.
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.
