Quantitative vs Qualitative Observations

VS

QuaNtitative Observations

What is a quaNtitative observation?

These are observations that involve a measured quantity of something

• Things you can measure

• Things you count

• Things you can weigh

• Things you quaNtify with a Number

​QuaNtitative observations always deal with Numbers! For example: there are 8 apples in this picture

Quantitative Example

Here we have another example of a quantity, but this time it's weight! These 2 apples weigh 350g

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Quantitative Example

​What are examples of things you can quantify in this picture? Think about what it means to quantify and be ready to answer!

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Look at this picture!

Open Ended

What is a quantitative observation you can make about the picture you just saw?

​Think of things you can quaNtify in this picture

Open Ended

What is a quantitative observation you can make about the picture you just saw?

Qualitative Observations

What is a qualitative observation?

A qualitative observation is linked to your five senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch). Qualitative observations do NOT use numbers, and instead are based off of the qualities of the object.

When we're talking about QUALITATIVE observations, we need to describe the apples instead of counting, or quantifying, them.

Qualitative!

• The apples are red (and green)

• The apples are round

• The apples smell fresh and fruity

​​Examples:

• The sky is orange and blue

• The water is blue

• The grass is green

• The mountains are rocky

Qualitative Observations:

​Look at this picture and think of some QUALITATIVE observations

Open Ended

What are qualitative observations you can make about the picture you just saw?