Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Your teacher has asked you to explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative observations. Which statement is correct?

• Quantitative observations use numbers, qualitative uses the senses.
• Quantitative observations use the senses, qualitative uses numbers.
• Quantitative observations use measurement, qualitative uses numbers.
• Quantitative observations use colors, qualitative uses the senses.

The leaves on the plant are turning brown.

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Both
• Neither

The plant has grown 4 cm since yesterday.

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Both
• Neither

There are 16 red marbles in the bag.

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Both
• Neither

The pendulum made 17 full swings in 30 seconds.

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Both
• Neither

The speed of the car was 45 mph.

• Qualitative
• Quantitative
• Both
• Neither

There are nine dolphins in this pod.

• qualitative
• quantitative

Dolphin colors range from gray to white.

• qualitative
• quantitative 

Dolphins eat the equivalent of 4 - 5% of their body mass each day.

• qualitative
• quantitative

Dolphins have smooth skin.

• qualitative
• quantitative