1. Qualitative verses Quantitative Observations
Say What??
Don’t worry you will be an expert soon enough!

2. Qualitative vs Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Overview:
Deals with descriptions.
Data can be observed but not measured.
Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc.
Qualitative → Quality
Quantitative Data
Deals with numbers.
Data which can be measured.
Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc.
Quantitative → Quantity

3. Example 1: Oil Painting
Qualitative data:
*red/green color, gold frame
*smells old and musty
*texture shows brush strokes of oil paint
*peaceful scene of the country
*masterful brush strokes
Quantitative data:
*picture is 10" by 14”
with frame 14" by 18”
* weighs 8.5 pounds
surface area of painting is 140 sq. in.
*cost $300

4. Example 2: Latte
Qualitative data:
*robust aroma
*frothy appearance
* strong taste
*glass cup
Quantitative data:
*12 ounces of latte
*serving temperature 1500 F.
*serving cup 7 inches in height
*cost $4.95

5. Example 3: Freshman Class
Qualitative data:
*friendly demeanors
*civic minded
*environmentalists
*positive school spirit
Quantitative data:
*672 students
*394 girls, 278 boys
*68% on honor roll
*150 students accelerated in mathematics

6. Qualitative Observations
Describe an object’s qualities.
Use the five senses:
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Smell
Taste
Are based on facts.
Describe what the object is like.
MAP TAP

7. You Try It!
Pretend you are in this picture. Describe it using qualitative observations.
MAP TAP

8. You Try It! Did you remember to describe: What you would see?
What you would hear?
What it would feel like?
How it would taste?
How it would smell ?
MAP TAP

9. Quantitative Observations
Describe an object’s quantities.
Uses a number
How many of an object
How much it weighs
Based on facts
MAP TAP
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

10. Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
You try it!
Pretend the candy is in front of you. How would you quantitatively describe it? Write at least 2 quantitative observations.
MAP TAP
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

11. Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
You try it
Did you…
Count the number of candies?
Estimate the mass of the candy
Count the candy by row
Count the candy by color
MAP TAP
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

12. Make one qualitative observation about the picture above.
Explain why this is a qualitative observation.
Make one quantitative observation about the picture above.
Explain why this is a quantitative observation.

13. Make one qualitative observation about the picture above.
Explain why this is a qualitative observation.
Make one quantitative observation about the picture above.
Explain why this is a quantitative observation.