The Pros and Cons of Using Quantitative Data to Drive Qualitative Decisions (Part 1)

What is Quantitative Data?

Quantitative data measures quantity, information expressed in numerical form that can be measured and analysed statistically. In education, it could be how many marks a student achieves on a test or exam. In healthcare, it could be incidents or prevalence of conditions. Discrete data represents countable values and includes variables which can take any value within a specified range. The gathering of quantitative data is typically achieved through various methods but mainly through testing (education) and histories (healthcare). What arguably makes our fields of interest unique is their very public nature, where data runs the risk of either being too generic or too specific.

Generally speaking, quantitative analysis usually entails statistical tools and techniques to draw meaningful conclusions from the collected data. This can involve descriptive statistics, which summarize the basic features of the data, and inferential statistics, which allow researchers and professionals to make predictions or inferences about a larger population based on a sample. The significance of quantitative data in research and decision-making lies in its ability to provide objective, measurable insights into various phenomena. By converting complex realities into numbers, quantitative data helps us identify patterns, trends, and correlations that inform actions and strategies.

In contrast to qualitative data, which focuses on descriptive attributes and subjective interpretations, quantitative data relies on empirical evidence and objective measurement. Given the fallibility of human nature, the latter can be tricky, even when inarguable numbers are involved. This distinction is important, as qualitative information can provide context and depth to the numerical insights offered by quantitative analysis. Understanding these differences enables professionals to use quantitative data effectively in shaping qualitative judgements, thus enhancing the overall decision-making process.

The next post in this series will look at the advantages (pros!) of using quantitative data. Stay tuned!