Question

Quantitative/categorical DataIdentify each of the following as quantitative data or categorical data.

a. The platelet counts in Data Set 1 “Body Data” in Appendix B.

b. The cigarette brands in Data Set 13 “Cigarette Contents” in Appendix B.

c. The colours of the M&M candies in Data Set 27 “M&M Weights” in Appendix B.

d. The weights of the M&M candies in Data Set 27 “M&M Weights” in Appendix B.

Short answer

a. The number of platelets in the body is quantitative data.

b. The types of cigarette brands are categorical data.

c. The different colors of candies are categorical data.

d. The measured weights of the candies are quantitative data.

Step-by-step solution

Two fundamental types of data

A set of values associated with a quantity/variable is called data. In statistics, data recorded can primarily be of two types:

• Quantitative data:

A set of numerical values that can bemeasured or counted and can be expressed in terms of mathematical units is called quantitative data.

For example, the height of a population measured in inches, the weight of a population measured in grams, or scores attained in an exam.

• Qualitative or categorical data:

A set of descriptive values that can be grouped into categories is called qualitative or categorical data. This type of data usually represents attributes or characteristics, such as the shape of an object, the color of an object, brand names, or types of religion.

Classification of data

a. The platelet counts represent a numerical value of the number of platelets in the blood. Thus, this is a type of quantitative data.

b. The cigarette brands are categorized into three types, namely: KING, MENTH, and 100. These are labels and not numerical values. Thus, this is a type of categorical data.

c. The M&M candies are categorized into four colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Brown, Blue, and Green. These also represent labels. Thus, this is a type of categorical data.

d. The weights of the M&M candies are in grams and represent a measured value. Thus, this is a type of quantitative data.