Qualitative-Quantitative | Commonly Confused Words
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Qualitative vs. Quantitative

Qualitative

/ˈkwɒlətətɪv/
Related to the characteristics or qualities of something rather than its quantity

Examples:

The study emphasizes qualitative insights over numerical data.Anthropologists often conduct qualitative fieldwork.Qualitative changes in the neighborhood were evident.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Quantitative

/ˈkwɒntətətɪv/
Relating to the measurement or amount of something

Examples:

The study requires a quantitative approach to analysis.She used quantitative data to support her hypothesis.Quantitative results showed a significant increase in sales.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Quantitative data deals with numbers and measurable forms, while qualitative data deals with descriptions and characteristics.
  • Qualitative is about qualities – think of adjectives and traits that describe something's essence.
  • Quantitative sounds like quantity, which should remind you that it focuses on numbers and amounts.
  • Remember that qualitative is subjective, often involving observations and interviews, whereas quantitative is objective, relying on numbers and statistics.
  • Qualitative and quantitative can be used together for comprehensive analysis, each serving a different but complementary role.
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