Chapter 1, Problem 1.38SE

Quantitative or Qualitative? Identify each variable as quantitative or qualitative:
a. Ethnic origin of a candidate for public office
b. Score (0−100) on a placement examination
c. Fast-food restaurant preferred by a student(McDonald’s, Burger King, or Carl’s Jr.)
d. Mercury concentration in a sample of tuna

To determine

(a)

Whether the given variable is qualitative or quantitative.

Answer to Problem 1.38SE

Qualitative

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

A statistical variable is given as - Ethnic origin of a candidate for a Public office.

Calculation:

A statistical variable is a characteristic that changes/varies over time for the objects under consideration.

An experimental unit is the individual or object on which a variable is measured.

Variables are of two types -

  $1.)$ A variable which measures quality or characteristics on each experimental unit is called a qualitative variable.

  $2.)$ A variable which measures numerical quantity or amount on each experimental unit is called a quantitative variable.

Given statistical variable is - Ethnic origin of a candidate for a Public office.

Here, ethnicity is being measured which is qualitative in nature.

Hence, nature of given variable is qualitative.

To determine

(b)

Whether the given variable is qualitative or quantitative.

Answer to Problem 1.38SE

Quantitative

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

A statistical variable is given as - Score $(0-100)$ obtained in an examination.

Calculation:

A statistical variable is a characteristic that changes/varies over time for the objects under consideration.

An experimental unit is the individual or object on which a variable is measured.

Variables are of two types -

  $1.)$ A variable which measures quality or characteristics on each experimental unit is called a qualitative variable.

  $2.)$ A variable which measures numerical quantity or amount on each experimental unit is called a quantitative variable.

Given statistical variable is - Score $(0-100)$ obtained in an examination.

Here, test is being measured which is quantitative in nature.

Hence, nature of given variable is quantitative.

To determine

(c)

Whether the given variable is qualitative or quantitative.

Answer to Problem 1.38SE

Qualitative

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

A statistical variable is given as - Fast food restaurant preferred by students (McDonald's, Burger Kings, or Carl's Jr.)

Calculation:

A statistical variable is a characteristic that changes/varies over time for the objects under consideration.

An experimental unit is the individual or object on which a variable is measured.

Variables are of two types -

  $1.)$ A variable which measures quality or characteristics on each experimental unit is called a qualitative variable.

  $2.)$ A variable which measures numerical quantity or amount on each experimental unit is called a quantitative variable.

Given statistical variable is - Fast food restaurant preferred by students (McDonald's, Burger Kings, or Carl's Jr.)

Here, food preference of students is being measured which is qualitative in nature.

Hence, nature of given variable is qualitative.

To determine

(d)

Whether the given variable is qualitative or quantitative.

Answer to Problem 1.38SE

Quantitative

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

A statistical variable is given as - Mercury concentration in a sample of Tuna.

Calculation:

A statistical variable is a characteristic that changes/varies over time for the objects under consideration.

An experimental unit is the individual or object on which a variable is measured.

Variables are of two types -

  $1.)$ A variable which measures quality or characteristics on each experimental unit is called a qualitative variable.

  $2.)$ A variable which measures numerical quantity or amount on each experimental unit is called a quantitative variable.

Given statistical variable is - Mercury concentration in a sample of Tuna.

Here, mercury concentration in a sample of Tuna is being measured which is quantitative in nature.

Hence, nature of given variable is quantitative.