Quantitative and Qualitative Data: Similarities 

In order to answer any research question, data must be collected. There are different types of data that can be collected: quantitative or qualitative. Each type of data serves a specific purpose and supports the research in their own way. 

 

Qualitative data is descriptive data that describes non-numerical observations. This includes data collection from interviews and surveys [1].

Quantitative data is numerical data that can be counted or measured and assigned a value [2].

 

Let’s start by looking at the similarities between these two data types: 

1. They both provide information about an event or phenomenon

• Both types of data will reveal insights and truths of the world around us. They are both rigorous and valid types of data to collect [3].

• You can collect both qualitative AND quantitative data to support your hypothesis. This enhances the depth and breadth of understanding [3].​​

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2. Both types of data describe what you are observing in an experiment

• Examples: Qualitative data includes survey responses that allow for open-ended answers, transcripts from interviews, and notes taken from observations. Quantitative data examples consist of numerical survey responses, test scores, and data related to website traffic.

3. Both are collected in a planned and/or structured way

• Both are collected in a way that is without bias and repeatable following the scientific method. 

4. Both are used to generate ideas and/or theories that can provide new directions for research

• Both are used to explore a hypothesis, identify patterns, and understand the truth behind a scientific phenomenon [4]. Qualitative research focuses on the individual and uses questionnaires, in-depth interviews and other methods to explore the meaning of things, and quantitative research focuses on describing general patterns in groups and uses data, graphs, and other methods to analyze the object of study.

5. Both can include primary and secondary data ​

• Look through the table below for an exploration of each type of data including meta analysis (a unique type of primary research that uses secondary data!)

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