Ontario Grade 9 Science Class Practice Exam 2026 - Free Grade 9 Science Practice Questions and Study Guide

Qualitative data and quantitative data serve distinct purposes in scientific research and data collection. Qualitative data is focused on describing characteristics, attributes, and qualities, often using descriptions or categories. For example, qualitative data might involve observations about the color of flowers, textures of materials, or people's opinions on a particular issue.

On the other hand, quantitative data is all about measurements and numerical values. This type of data can be measured and expressed mathematically, such as the height of a plant in centimeters, the temperature in degrees, or the number of students in a classroom. The ability to quantify this data allows for statistical analysis and comparison between different sets of information.

Understanding the difference between these two types of data is crucial for designing experiments and interpreting results, as they provide different insights and support different aspects of research.