HMS, HIC EQ-Bank 65

Describe the difference between quantitative and qualitative data in health research, providing an example of each data type that could be used to investigate the meanings of health for young people. (3 marks)

--- 7 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---

Show Answers Only

Quantitative data is numerical information that can be measured and analysed statistically, while qualitative data provides descriptive, non-numerical information about qualities, opinions or experiences.
An example of quantitative data when investigating meanings of health for young people could be survey results showing what percentage of high school students rated their physical health as 5 or above on a 1-10 scale.
In contrast, qualitative data might include focus group responses where students give their opinion on whether “health means being able to jog 5 kilometres without walking”.

Show Worked Solution

Quantitative data is numerical information that can be measured and analysed statistically, while qualitative data provides descriptive, non-numerical information about qualities, opinions or experiences.
An example of quantitative data when investigating meanings of health for young people could be survey results showing what percentage of high school students rated their physical health as 5 or above on a 1-10 scale.
In contrast, qualitative data might include focus group responses where students give their opinion on whether “health means being able to jog 5 kilometres without walking”.