Question

Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

(A) The fish swam in a zigzag motion.

(B) The contents of the stomach are mixed every 20 seconds.

(C) The temperature decreased from 20ºC to 15°C.

(D) The six pairs of robins hatched an average of three chicks each.

Short answer

• The option “The fish swam in a zigzag motion” is true.
• The option “The contents of the stomach are mixed every 20 seconds” is false.
• The option “The temperature decreased from 20ºC to 15°C” is false.
• The option “The six pairs of robins hatched an average of three chicks each” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Meaning of qualitative data

The data obtained from experiments and observations can be qualitative or quantitative. The former term explains the data that can only be observed and cannot be measured in scales or numbers. The latter is based on numbers and can be easily measured by using different scales.

Explanation of option (A)

The fish moves by tightening and extending muscles on the sides of its body in a back-and-forth motion. This propels the fish through the water by causing the tail to move in a zigzag pattern. The fish swims in a zigzag motion, which gives descriptive information about the pattern in which a fish swims.

Qualitative data is data that describes characteristics and qualities.

Therefore, the given option is true.

Explanation of option (B)

Chyme is a pulpy substance made up of partially digested food and gastric fluids that travel to the small intestine via the stomach. The substance is mixed in the stomach through meal secretions. The stomach’s content mixes every 20 seconds, which tells how frequently the digestion process occurs in the stomach.

Qualitative data can be observed but not evaluated.

Thus, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (C)

The data tells that the temperature decreased from higher to lower temperature. The temperature gives the measure of the hotness or coldness, which is measured in different scales.

Qualitative data cannot be measured in scales.

Therefore, the given option is false.

Explanation of option (D)

The reproductive capability of an organism is often measured by calculating the number of offsprings produced. The data gives the information that the number of offspring produced by Robin is three.

Qualitative data cannot be calculated in numbers.

Therefore, the given option is false.