Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Qualitative and Quantitative Data

            When examining the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data one must begin by defining the terms.  First, qualitative data refers to data collection expressed through incident description, actions, properties, levels, and procedures.  It characterizes and describes.  However, quantitative data is measured or calculated and is verifiable.  The results are numerically defined.  In addition, quantitative data collection is typically time and cost efficient and often considered more credible.  Yet, effectively communicated qualitative data may be deemed even more convincing.  Furthermore, it should be duly noted that generally this method requires a higher level of expertise and proficiency (Russ-Eft & Preskill, 2009).

            Qualitative data would be advantageous within an organizational assessment focused on the improvement of employee relations.  This would enable the researcher or consultant to analyze and consider behavior patterns, opinions, emotions, interpretations, and group dynamics.  The data would convey descriptions of incidents, organizational processes, and actions.

            Quantitative data would be beneficial within an organizational assessment based on defensive lines throughout the league.  As the researcher calculated the height, weight, and strength (generally determined by max bench and squats) of a given team versus their opponents, they could numerically assess which defensive lines were more dominant.  This is generally expressed by a defensive line’s average figures versus the opposition.

References:

Russ-Eft, D., & Preskill, H. (2009). Evaluation in organizations: A systematic approach

to enhancing learning, performance, and change (2nd ed.). New York:

Basic Books.