Qualitative data is non-numerical information such as words, pictures, and observations that cannot be counted, while quantitative data uses numbers and can be counted. Qualitative data is used to understand social interactions and identify patterns through methods like content analysis and thematic analysis, while quantitative data answers questions about numbers, amounts, and frequencies and is used to test hypotheses and draw conclusions about large populations through statistical analysis methods. The key difference between the two data types is whether the information can be expressed numerically.

1. Qualitative data is information
that can’t be expressed as a
number
Quantitative data is data that
can be expressed as a number
or can be quantified
Qualitative
Data
VS
Quantitative
Data
Basis for
Comparison
Definition
Can data be counted? NO YES
Data type Words, objects, pictures,
observations, and symbols
Number and statistics

2. How and why this has
happened?
“how many, “how much” and
“how often”
Questions that data
answer
Examples
Scores on tests and exams
e.g. 85, 67, 90 and etc.
The weight of a person or
a subject
Your shoe size
Names as John, Maria,…
Ethnicity such as American
Indian, Asian, etc.
Colors e.g. green, white,
blue
Purposes of data
analysis
Understand, explain, and
interpret social interactions
and patterns
Test hypothesis, develop
predictions for the future,
check cause and effect
Types of data
analysis
Patterns, characteristics,
theme identification
Statistical relationship
identification

3. Less generalizable, particular
findings. Do not drive
conclusions and generalizations
across a population
Generalizable findings. Draw
conclusions and trends about
a large population based on a
sample taken from it
Scope of the results
Popular methods of
data analysis
Linear regression models
Logistic regression
Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA)
Statistical significance
Correlation analysis
Central tendency
Dispersion
Distribution
Content analysis
Thematic analysis
Discourse analysis
Grounded theory
Conversation analysis
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