Data is a collection of facts, such as values or measurements.
It can be numbers, words, measurements, observations or even just descriptions of things.
Qualitative vs Quantitative
* Qualitative data is descriptive information (it describes something)
* Quantitative data, is numerical information (numbers).
And Quantitative data can also be Discrete or Continuous:
* Discrete data can only take certain values (like whole numbers)
* Continuous data can take any value (within a range)
* Continuous data can take any value (within a range)
Put simply: Discrete data is counted, Continuous data is measured
Example: What do we know about Arrow the Dog?
Qualitative:
* He is brown and black
* He has long hair
* He has lots of energy
Quantitative:
Discrete:
* He has 4 legs
* He has 2 brothers
Continuous:
* He weighs 25.5 kg
* He is 565 mm tall
* He is brown and black
* He has long hair
* He has lots of energy
Quantitative:
Discrete:
* He has 4 legs
* He has 2 brothers
Continuous:
* He weighs 25.5 kg
* He is 565 mm tall
Language
Data or Datum?
* Strictly speaking, the word “data” is in the plural (the singular form is “datum”). However, the word is often used as if it is a singular noun.
* So we commonly say "the data is available" rather than the more correct way "the data are available".
* Strictly speaking, the word “data” is in the plural (the singular form is “datum”). However, the word is often used as if it is a singular noun.
* So we commonly say "the data is available" rather than the more correct way "the data are available".
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