What is the difference between a qualitative and quantitative observation?

Answer 1

Qualitative is something that cannot be quantified by numbers or measurement, such as color, shape, smell, etc.

Quantitative are things that can be measured or counted, such as weight, temperature, etc.

Answer 2

Qualitative means observable differences. Typically you would display qualitative differences by describing the major differences between the two observed events.

Quantitave (quantity) observable differences are any differences that can be grouped into some form of number pattern.

Here's an example:

If I were sitting in a Burger King and I wanted to study the table manners of fast food customers, I would note both qualitative and quantitative effects.

The qualitative effects would be my general statement that I could form after watching so many customers for so long.

The quantitative effects would be my notes that actually counted how many people washed their hands, covered their mouth when they sneezed, ate with mouth closed, etc.

Answer 3

qualitative deals w/ the quality of something/ the characteristics.

quantitative deals w/ the amount or number of something.

i.e.:

the answers on Y/A are good--qualitative observation
there are a lot of answers on Y/A--quantitative observation

Answer 4

A qualitative measure represents a judgment (Poor, Fair, Good, Great)

A quantitative measurement is discrete (100 feet, 5 degrees, etc.) (It's measurable)

Answer 5

Qualitative is more subject to opinon, while quantitative is concrete and can't differ from person to person. Someone might call a rock grey, and someone else might call it off white, but you can't argue that it is anything other than 5 pounds.

Answer 6

i will explain with a example:

water will lack in the world?

by POV quantitative, no, because 70% of planet is water;

but by POV qualitative, maybe, because only 2% of water in the world is potable.

i hope to have aided

Answer 7

In my job we use these two terms often when determining "quantitive" or how much of the product...and "qualitive" how pure the product is!

Answer 8

Qualitative observations speak of colors, shapes, and descriptive things.

Quantitative observations are all about the numbers. Hieght, weight, length, etc.

Answer 9

Qualitative observation is based on the descripting observation.

Quantitative observation is based on the statistic or measurment observation.

Answer 10

Qualitative Analysis: Those ducks are very cute.
Quantitative Analysis: There are 6 ducks.

The former expresses an opinion. The latter expresses fact.

Answer 11

Definition

General definitions of "qualitative" and "quantitative" are linked closely to method. The applicable Oxford English Dictionary definitions of "quantitative" are:


2 That is, or may be, considered with respect to the quantity or quantities involved; estimated or estimable by quantity. 3 a Relating to, concerned with, quantity or its measurement; ascertaining or expressing quantity. (OX2)
These definitions indicate possibilities of data gathering, whether measuring or estimating. The definition of "qualitative" cites "quantitative" as its implied opposite, therefore, also implying its links to data gathering:

a Relating to, connected or concerned with, quality or qualities. Now usually in implied or expressed opposition to QUANTITATIVE. (OX2)
The LIS literature on qualitative research methodologically follows this approach of defining qualitative in opposition to quantitative. Jack Glazier's discussion epitomizes the dichotomous and vague nature of definitions of qualitative research in LIS by suggesting that it be defined by what it is not, quantitative. "It is not ... It is not ... It is not ..." (1992, 6) He lists as qualitative methods ethnographic and naturalistic and, most curiously, unobtrusive measures.

The one characteristic that all these terms share is that they tend to obscure rather than clarify the concept. The concept seems to be confusing not only because of the number of terms applied, but also because it carries different connotations for different people. (Glazier 1992, 6)
Jana Bradley includes a similar range of methodologies adding "grounded theory" and "hermeneutic approaches to the interpretation of texts." (1993, 433) Elfreda Chatman also defines qualitative research by what it is not. "... unlike other methods, field work does not use tightly controlled variables or the creation of structured situations." (1984, 436) These definitions echo the OED definitions by defining "qualitative" vaguely except in its opposition to "quantitative."
Raya Fidel (1993) lists characteristics of qualitative research, only one of which, its nonmanipulative or noncontrolling nature is in the negative. Positive definitions of qualitative research collectively include its being holistic, environmental, or contextual; inductive or dialectical; pluralistic or relative; and its involvement of the object of the research. (Bradley 1993; Fidel 1993; Sutton 1993; Mellon 1990; Grover and Glazier 1985) These defining characteristics differ from the negative definitions in that they are more ontological or epistemological than methodological