What is the primary difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

The primary difference between qualitative and quantitative data lies in the nature of the information they convey. Qualitative data describes characteristics, attributes, or categories that are often non-numerical. This type of data is used to capture the quality or essence of phenomena, such as colors, textures, behaviors, and feelings. It is essential for understanding complexities in social phenomena and can provide insights into patterns, themes, and experiences that cannot be quantified.

In contrast, quantitative data deals with numerical measurements and can be subjected to statistical analysis. It often relates to quantities or amounts and is used to establish relationships, make predictions, or test hypotheses through mathematical calculations. The distinction emphasizes that qualitative data is fundamentally about describing the nature or qualities of things, whereas quantitative data represents measurable quantities.