Observation plays a crucial role in research and evaluation, as it is an essential method for collecting information for further data analysis. There are two primary ways of observation in scientific data collection: qualitative and quantitative. This article aims to clarify these differences by highlighting the characteristics of both qualitative and quantitative observation.
It is important to note that qualitative and quantitative observations are not exclusive to each other and don’t necessarily have to be used in isolation. In fact, many experiments require the use of both observation methods in conjunction.
Quantitative Observation
As the name suggests, quantitative observations deal with numbers, allowing the observer to quantify the results. These observations can be made with instruments that measure various physical quantities. For example, thermometers measure temperature, rulers measure length, breadth, and height of objects, weighing balances measure the weight of objects, and beakers measure the volume of liquids. This indicates that quantitative observation provides results that can be measured.
Qualitative Observation
The focus in qualitative observation is on quality rather than numbers. The information gathered in this manner does not lend itself to quantification. When researching human behavior, qualitative observation is a very efficient source of gathering information, as it is difficult to obtain data for analysis without subjects describing themselves or their behavior. Even in the case of animal research, qualitative observation is a more reliable source of information, as there is no other way to obtain data.
Human senses of sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing provide qualitative observation data without the use of instruments.
Key Takeaways
- Quantitative observation deals with numbers and measurable data, while qualitative observation focuses on descriptions and qualities.
- Examples of quantitative observation include area, height, weight, temperature, weight, time, and speed, while examples of qualitative observation include smell, taste, texture, and color.
- Both qualitative and quantitative observations can be used in conjunction in research and experiments, as they often complement each other to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
