Mod 2 Less 5 - types of datas

Module 2, Lesson 5

Categorical (Qualitative) and Quantitative Data

Data consist of individuals and variables that give us information about those individuals. An individual can be an object or a person. A variable is an attribute, such as a measurement or a label. There are two types of variables: categorical (qualitative) and quantitative.

Categorical (Qualitative) variables are data or values that can be placed into non-numerical categories. It is data or values that can be described but not measured. Each data or value can be placed in only one category, and the categories are mutually exclusive. Just think of Qualitative like Quality! For example; smoker or non-smoker, type of wood, grade level, child or adult, wet or dry, etc.

Quantitative variables are numerical values that deal with counts or measures. They often represent some kind of measurement and generally has some type of units with it such as feet, pounds, calories, etc. Just think of Quantitative like Quantity! For example; weight, height, IQ, calories, number of pushups in one minute, etc.

Example 1

There are several features of a candle of which some are categorical (qualitative) data and others are quantitative data.

Figure 1. Image of Glass Jar
with Wax by C. Winkel.

Example 2

There are several features of a dog of which some are categorical (qualitative) data and others are quantitative data.

Figure 2. Image of Dog
by Claire Winkel.

Example 3

There are several features of a dog of which some are categorical (qualitative) data and others are quantitative data.

Figure 3. Image of Figurine
by C. Winkel.

Knowledge Check

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