Here's a breakdown:
* Quantitative: Deals with numbers, amounts, and measurements. Examples include height, weight, age, and the number of items.
* Qualitative: Deals with descriptions, observations, and interpretations. It looks at things like color, texture, taste, smell, and the subjective experiences of individuals.
Here are some key characteristics of qualitative data:
* Descriptive: Uses words, images, and other non-numerical methods to describe phenomena.
* Subjective: Relies on individual interpretations and perspectives.
* Contextual: Takes into account the surrounding circumstances and environment.
* Exploratory: Aims to understand complex issues and generate insights.
Examples of qualitative research:
* Interviews: Gathering in-depth information about people's experiences, opinions, and beliefs.
* Focus groups: Facilitating discussions among a group of people to explore their perspectives on a specific topic.
* Observations: Observing and documenting behaviors, interactions, and events.
* Case studies: In-depth analysis of a particular individual, group, or situation.
In short, qualitative research explores the "why" and "how" behind things, while quantitative research focuses on the "what" and "how much."