Final answer:
Chip Ward's concept of "the tyranny of the quantifiable" refers to the emphasis on measurable factors (option b) over qualitative data. This prioritization can lead to overlooking important but less easily quantified aspects of research or policy-making. A balanced approach to both qualitative and quantitative data is crucial for comprehensive understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chip Ward refers to "the tyranny of the quantifiable" as b) The prioritization of measurable factors. This concept concerns the tendency in society and especially within the scientific and policy-making communities to give preference to that which can be quantified over qualitative data, which may be equally important but less easily measured. The challenge with over-relying on quantifiable data is that it can lead to overlooking or undervaluing aspects that do not neatly fit into numerical data points but are still significant to understanding complex issues.
For instance, when considering examples of data types, quantitative discrete data include the number of pairs of shoes you own or the number of correct answers on a quiz. These data are countable and take on only certain numerical values. In contrast, the type of car you drive or the type of calculator you use are examples of qualitative data, which are categorical and not easily expressed as numbers.
When engaging in research, it's important to balance both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject being studied. For instance, social sciences often rely more on qualitative assessments while other disciplines might prioritize quantitative measures.