MHS Chemistry
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Information

Every laboratory investigation involves gathering and recording data. There are two types of information that can be recorded: if the information involves a measurement of any kind, it is considered quantitative information. There are specific rules for keeping track of this information, but the main point to remember is that any value recorded directly from a tool is considered quantitative data. It should always be recorded immediately, along with its description and the units of measure, and care must be taken to use the proper precision.

You will also sometimes observe something happening using your senses, instead of a tool like a measuring stick. This qualitative information is often just as useful as numerical data. It includes such descriptions as color as well as observations about texture changes and anything else that is actually an opinion (try describing the difference in color between two different blades of grass). For a more complete guide to recording and presenting information, click here.

[How to Record & Present Data][Significant Figures][How to Make a Graph][MHS Chemistry page]