Suppose a marine biologist observes the behavior and activities of dolphins. She identifies different
dolphins within the group and observes them every day for a month. She records detailed observations
about their behaviors. Some of her observations are qualitative data and some are quantitative data.
Qualitative data examples:
• Dolphin colors range from gray to white.
• Dolphins in a pod engage in play behavior.
• Dolphins have smooth skin.
Quantitative data examples:
• There are nine dolphins in this pod.
• Dolphins eat the equivalent of 4-5% of their body mass each day.
• The sonar frequency most often used by the dolphins is around 100kHz.
Notice the qualitative data are descriptions and the quantitative data are objective, numerical
measurements; a quantity.