Final answer:
Observing that a cat has 4 legs is qualitative observation, while noting its weight of 10 lbs is quantitative continuous data. These observations form the basis of data collection in scientific research.
Step-by-step explanation:
When observing that a cat has 4 legs and weighs 10 lbs, we are dealing with two different types of data and observations. The observation of the cat having 4 legs is an example of qualitative observation, which describes properties without using numbers. On the other hand, noting that the cat weighs 10 lbs is an example of quantitative observation, specifically quantitative continuous data, as it involves a measurement with both a number and a unit.
Observations like these are critical in the scientific method and allow us to create a base of knowledge that can be used to form hypotheses. For instance, qualitative observations may indicate a certain condition in an environment, while quantitative data can provide a basis for statistical analysis and help identify possible correlations or causal relationships in scientific research.