Key difference: Qualitative refers to specific qualities or an attribute that an object or person possesses, whereas quantitative refers to the specific quantity associated with an object or person.

The term ‘quantitative’ is defined as:

• Expressed as quantity
• Relating to, or susceptible of measurement
• Relating to number or quantity

It simply means that quantity refers to numbers.

Quantitative refers to the specific quantity associated with an object or person. A quantity is something that can be counted or measured. It refers to the amount or the magnitude of the object being described. A quantity can be definitively measured or quantified. Some examples of quantitative terms would be: hot, cold, long, short, fast, slow, large, small, many, heavy, few, light, near, far, etc.

Quantitative is considered objective and scientific in nature. It is used in scientific procedures that primarily involve objects; it is a term which is associated with anything practical.

The term ‘qualitative’ is defined as:

• Relating to or concerned with qualities
• Of or relating to how good something is
• Relating to quality of something

It simply means that quality refers to a specific quality of an object or a person.

Qualitative refers to the specific qualities that an object or person possesses. A quality is either a property or an attribute that an object possesses. It is used to describe what the object or person is like. A quality is subjective and cannot be definitively measured; it can only be experienced. Some examples of qualitative terms would be: good, bad, beautiful, ugly, useless, fascinating, boring, filthy, sparkling, pale, dark, soft, hard, wonderful, colorful, evil, angelic, etc.

Qualitative is considered subjective in nature. It is generally used in the forms of appreciation such as poetry, literature and music; it is associated with creativity. Qualitative terms are used in sentences where impressions of the object is more important than its actual physical specifications.

Comparison between Qualitative and Quantitative:

Images Courtesy: theformula.co.za