Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Define quantitative and qualitative data.
• Identify different methods for collecting data.
• Select appropriate methods for collecting data.
• Explain the importance of choosing the right method.

Lesson summary

Data is all around us. From the number of goals scored in a football match to the opinions of our friends on a new song, we are constantly dealing with information. In today's world, understanding how to collect this information properly is a very powerful skill. It helps businesses, governments, schools, and even individuals make smart decisions. For example, the Ghana Statistical Service collects data on the entire country (a census) to help the government plan for schools, hospitals, and roads. In this lesson, we will learn about the different types of data and the best methods to collect them, so we can ask the right questions and get useful answers.

Lesson notes

This lesson focuses on the very first step of working with data: collecting it. Before we can draw charts or calculate averages, we need good, reliable information. A. What is Data? Data is a collection of facts, figures, measurements, observations, or descriptions of things. It is raw information. Example: The heights of all students in JHS 3 is data. The favourite subjects of your classmates is also data. B. The Two Main Types of Data Data can be broadly divided into two types. Understanding this difference is key to choosing the right collection method. Quantitative Data This is data that can be counted or measured and is expressed using numbers. Think of the word QUANTITY. Characteristics: It deals with numbers and things you can measure objectively. Examples in a Ghanaian Context: The price of a bowl of fufu in a chop bar (e.g., GH₵15.00). The number of students in your class (e.g., 45 students). The temperature in Accra today (e.g., 31°C). The time it takes to walk from your home to school (e.g., 20 minutes).

Quantitative data can be further broken down into: Discrete Data: Can only take specific, separate values (usually whole numbers). You can count it. *Example:* Number of siblings you have (you can't have 2.5 siblings). Number of cars in a car park. Continuous Data: Can take any value within a range. You measure it. *Example:* The height of a student (can be 1.52m, 1.525m, etc.). The weight of a bag of maize. Qualitative Data This is data that is descriptive and cannot be measured with numbers. It deals with qualities, characteristics, and descriptions. Think of the word QUALITY. Characteristics: It is often expressed in words, pictures, or symbols. It describes categories or opinions. Examples in a Ghanaian Context: The favourite local dish of students (e.g., "Waakye", "Jollof Rice", "Banku"). The region someone is from (e.g., "Ashanti Region", "Volta Region"). Opinions on the school uniform (e.g., "Excellent", "Good", "Needs improvement"). The colour of a Kente cloth.

Summary Table:

| Feature | Quantitative Data | Qualitative Data | | --------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | Type | Numerical (Numbers) | Descriptive (Words, Categories) | | What it tells | How many? How much? How often? | Why? What kind? How does it feel? | | Example | 25 students, GH₵ 5.00, 1.6 metres tall | Blue, Sweet taste, Very happy, Ashanti Region | | Question | "How many books did you read?" | "What is your favourite book about?" |