Final answer:
Qualitative predictions determine if something will happen, while quantitative predictions assess the extent to which something will occur. Probability and statistical models are tools that assist in making these predictions, yet human behavior's unpredictability may lead to imperfect outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'predicts whether something will happen, whereas predicts how much something will happen' differentiates between the fundamental concepts of qualitative and quantitative predictions. Qualitative predictions are those that foresee if an event is likely to occur or not. In contrast, quantitative predictions estimate the extent or magnitude of an event. For instance, in political science, one might qualitatively predict that young, environmentally conscious individuals are inclined to join a Green Party, but quantitatively predicting the exact number of youths who will actually join the party is more challenging due to the randomness and individuality of human behavior.
Probability plays a crucial role in such predictions. While we can use it to estimate the likelihood of an event, such as an election outcome or the probability of rain, it cannot always predict individual cases with certainty. This complexity stems from the numerous variables and the inherent uncertainty in human behavior, which can lead to imperfect predictions.
Statistical models, which often use probability, help us make these informed predictions by analyzing data and identifying trends. However, it is important to note that while these models can enhance our understanding and provide a probability of occurrence, they have limitations and cannot account for every possible outcome or individual deviation.