Categorizing Data



Qualitative Data vs. Quantitative Data

There are two ways to categorize data based on the type of information it contains: qualitative data and quantitative data.

Qualitative data is descriptive and conceptual. This type of data is expressed using words and labels. It is not based on numbers and it is gathered through methods like observations, and interviews.
Quantitative data is numbers-based and measurable. It tells us “how many”, “how much”, or “how often.” It is gathered by counting or measuring things using sensors or instruments.

Let's compare the two ways of categorizing data:




Now that you know the difference between qualitative and quantitative data, let's test out your understanding in a short quiz!




Qualitative: Nominal Data vs. Ordinal Data

Qualitative data can be further classified into nominal or ordinal data:

Nominal data are data points without any meaningful order. Take for example eye colour - black, brown, green, blue, hazel. Nominal data also includes things like marital status, nationality, or wheat varieties.

Ordinal data are data points that have a natural ordering or ranking. Take for example a customer satisfaction survey that’s ranked on a scale of 1 to 10. 


Quantitative: Discrete Data vs. Continuous Data

Quantitative data can be further classified into discrete or continuous data. 
 
Discrete data are data points that are whole numbers or integers. In this case the numerical data can’t be broken down into smaller parts like a fraction or decimal value. For instance, the number of children in science class is discrete data. We can’t say 5.5 people were present in class - it has to be a whole number. 

Continuous data are data points that can take on any decimal number within the possible range. For instance, think of the temperature of the air surrounding you at the moment. Is it a scorching hot 35.5 °C? Or perhaps a bone-chilling -20.1°C? Or a comfortable 19.2°C? Temperature is an example of continuous data. 




Now that we've gone through nominal, ordinal, discrete, and continuous data, let's test out your understanding with a short quiz!




Next:  🗒️⁠⁠Describing Data⁠