Final answer:
Qualitative data are descriptive and categorize objects based on their attributes, while quantitative data can be either discrete or continuous, with discrete being countable and continuous representing measurements that can have any value within a range.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Qualitative Data
Qualitative data refers to non-numeric data that is used to categorize objects or individuals based on attributes or qualities. These data can describe colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, and more. Unlike quantitative data, qualitative data are not measured or counted but are observed and recorded as descriptions, making them subjective in nature.
Discrete and Continuous Data in Qualitative Research
While qualitative data itself does not have discrete or continuous states as it is not numerical, it is important to understand these concepts within the realm of quantitative data. Quantitative discrete data are numerical and result from counting, such as the number of books or the number of students in a class. These data can only take specific, distinct values.
On the other hand, quantitative continuous data result from measuring and can take on any value within a given range. Examples include weights, lengths, and time durations. These are represented by numbers that can include fractions and decimals, not limited to counting numbers only.
Examples from a Survey
Number of times per week visiting a park would be quantitative discrete.
Duration of each visit to the park is quantitative continuous as it could be any length of time.
Colors of the houses around the park represents qualitative data.