Question

Match the following variables to their classifications under a common scenario.

- Temperature       -    Test Scores       -    Name       - Student ID

A. quantitative B. qualitative

Answer 1

Qualitative data are those which cannot be measured by numberes i.e we cannot perform numerical operations on them. Example : blood group

Whereas, quantitative data can be expressed and measured through numbers, we can perform numerical operations on them. Example : height, weight.

In the given list,

Temperature is a quantitative data as it can be measured in a numerical scale. We can add, subtract temperature. Example : today's temperature was 23 degree Celsius. This gives us an idea of how hot or cold the weather might be on a numerical scale. (option A)

Test scores is a quantitative data as they can be measured in numerical scale. Scores can be added, subtracted. Example : Jack scored 8 out of 10 on a test. So we get an idea of his performance in a numerical scale. (option A)

Name is a qualitative data as it cannot be expressed in numerical scale. For example : His name is Jack. So this does not give us any idea about where he lies on a numerical scale. (option B)

Student ID is a qualitative data. Although it can be expressed in numbers, we cannot perform arithmetic operations on them. Even if we forcefully add two student IDs, it will make no sense on a numerical scale.

For example : Jack has a student ID 46 and Joe has a student ID 40. So if we add both the IDs it becomes 40+46=86 which makes no sense. Hence it is a qualitative data. (option B)