Data is information collected together, usually by observation. Data can be numerical (quantitative) or descriptive (qualitative). The type of data should fit what you are trying to study.
Quantitative data
Examples of quantitative data in schools include assessment results scores (classroom, district, and state), attendance, graduation rates, GPAs, some discipline records, class sizes, and survey results.
Qualitative data
Examples of qualitative data in schools include case studies, descriptions of behaviors, narratives, and some discipline records.
Want more information? Check out:
- What is Data? – Guides at University of Houston
- Types of Data and the Scales of Measurement | UNSW Online
- Types of Data – Education Data and Statistics – Research Guides at Harvard Library
This post is part of a Science Terms for Educator series. Teaching is hard. Science can help. More science terms coming soon!
Katie Budrow 