Qualitative Data: Definition
Qualitative data is defined as the data that approximates and characterizes.
Qualitative data can be observed and recorded. This data type is non-
numerical in nature. This type of data is collected through methods of
observations, one-to-one interview, conducting focus groups and similar
methods. Qualitative data in statistics is also known as categorical data. Data
that can be arranged categorically based on the attributes and properties of a
thing or a phenomenon.
Qualitative Data Examples
Qualitative data is also called categorical data since this data can be grouped
according to categories.
For example, think of a student reading a paragraph from a book during one
of the class sessions. A teacher who is listening to the reading gives a
feedback on how the child read that paragraph. If the teacher gives a
feedback based on fluency, intonation, throw of words, clarity in pronunciation
without giving a grade to the child, this is considered as an example of
qualitative data.
It’s pretty easy to understand the difference between qualitative and
quantitative data, qualitative data does not include numbers in its definition of
traits whereas quantitative data is all about numbers.
• The cake is orange, blue and black in color (qualitative).
• Females have brown, black, blonde, and red hair (qualitative).
Quantitative data is any quantifiable information that can be used for
mathematical calculation or statistical analysis. This form of data helps in
making real-life decisions based on mathematical derivations. Quantitative
data is used to answer questions like how many? how often? how much? This
data can be validated and verified.
Qualitative Data Analysis
Analyzing your data is vital, as you have spent time and money collecting it in
the first place. This is an essential process because you don’t want to find
yourself in the dark even after putting in so many efforts. However, there are
