Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

Observations An observation is made when you use your 5 senses to take in information about your surroundings Types of observations: – Qualitative – Quantitative

Qualitative Observations Observations about: – How something looks, feels, smells, sounds, tastes – Does NOT involve numbers or quantities Example: I observe that the fish is pink and orange with white spots

Quantitative Observations Observations that are about numbers or quantity Example: I observe that there are 3 kittens in the box

Qualitative or Quantitative? Try to decide if the following observations are qualitative or quantitative: 1.There are 10 students in the classroom 2.The room smells like popcorn 3.There are 5 mice in the cage 4.The dog’s eyes are blue

Solutions: 1. There are 10 students in the classroom: Quantitative: involves numbers 2. The room smells like popcorn Qualitative 3. There are 5 mice in the cage Quantitative: involves numbers 4. The dog’s eyes are blue Qualitative

Observations can be BOTH! 1.There are 10 students in the classroom that are male and 12 that are female. 2.The 4 rooms in the house smells like buttered popcorn 3.There are 5 brown, baby mice in the metal cage. 4.The Huskie’s 1 eye is blue and the other eye is brown. These types of observations will often lead to the best scientific questions!!