Which of the following is an example of qualitative data? a. The fish swam in a zigzag motion. b. The contents of the stomach are mixed every 20 seconds. c. The temperature decreased from 20°C to 15°C. d. The six pairs of robins hatched an average of three chicks each.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of data each option represents: Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics without using numbers, while quantitative data involves numbers and measurements.
2. Analyze option a: 'The fish swam in a zigzag motion.' - This statement describes the motion of the fish using words, not numbers, indicating it is qualitative data.
3. Analyze option b: 'The contents of the stomach are mixed every 20 seconds.' - This statement includes a numerical measurement (every 20 seconds), indicating it is quantitative data.
4. Analyze option c: 'The temperature decreased from 20°C to 15°C.' - This statement includes numerical measurements (temperature values), indicating it is quantitative data.
5. Analyze option d: 'The six pairs of robins hatched an average of three chicks each.' - This statement includes numerical data (number of chicks), indicating it is quantitative data.

Key Concepts

Qualitative Data

Qualitative data refers to non-numerical information that describes characteristics or qualities. It often involves observations, descriptions, and categorizations, allowing researchers to understand patterns and themes in the data. For example, statements about behavior, color, or texture are qualitative, as they provide insights without quantifying them.

Quantitative Data

Quantitative data consists of numerical values that can be measured and analyzed statistically. This type of data allows for mathematical calculations and comparisons, such as averages, percentages, and trends. Examples include measurements of temperature, weight, or counts of occurrences, which provide concrete figures for analysis.

Data Collection Methods

Data collection methods are the techniques used to gather information for analysis. These methods can be qualitative, such as interviews and observations, or quantitative, such as surveys and experiments. Understanding the appropriate method for collecting data is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of the results, as it influences the type of data obtained.