Quantitative data refers to any information that can be counted or measured and given a numerical value. Quantitative data can tell you "how many," "how much," or "how often.” So it is gathered through the use of language rather than numerical values.
Quantitative research is based on numeric data. Qualitative research focuses on the qualities of users — the 'why' behind the numbers. Qualitative data describes information and cannot be measured or counted. It refers to the words or labels used to describe certain characteristics or traits.
It's hard to conduct a successful data analysis without qualitative and quantitative data. They both have their advantages and disadvantages and often complement each other.
Quantitative data is numbers-based, countable, or measurable. Qualitative data is interpretation-based, descriptive, and relating to language.
Quantitative data tells us how many, how much, or how often in calculations. Qualitative data can help us to understand why, how, or what happened behind certain behaviors.
Quantitative data is fixed and universal. Qualitative data is subjective and unique.
Quantitative research methods are measuring and counting. Qualitative research methods are interviewing and observing.
Quantitative data is analysed using statistical analysis. Qualitative data is analysed by grouping the data into categories and themes.
Examples:
Data Collection Methods
This video provides good insight for potential methods to collect data for my major project in order to back up and inform decisions.
Qualitative or quantitative data by itself can’t prove or demonstrate anything, but has to be analysed to show its meaning in relation to the research questions. Therefore it will be key to perform analysis of user responses during my research stage for my project.