Understanding Data

Data is at the heart of statistics! Before we can analyze anything, we need to know what kind of data we're working with.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative

• Qualitative Data (also called categorical): This type of data describes qualities or categories. Examples include colors, names, or labels.
• Quantitative Data: This involves numbers and can be measured. It includes things like height, weight, or age.

Discrete and Continuous Data

Quantitative data can be:

• Discrete: Countable, like the number of pets you have.
• Continuous: Measurable, like your height.

Why Does It Matter?

Knowing your data type helps you choose the right tools for analysis and how to present your findings.

Common Mistakes

Mixing up data types can lead to incorrect conclusions. Always check whether your numbers are counts or measurements, and don’t treat categories as numbers!