Determine whether the data are qualitative or quantitative. Explain your reasoning.
Response times for a customer service representative

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Step 1: Understand the definitions of qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data describes categories or qualities and is non-numerical (e.g., colors, names, or labels). Quantitative data represents numerical values that can be measured or counted (e.g., height, weight, or time).

Step 2: Analyze the given data type. The problem mentions 'response times,' which are measured in units such as seconds, minutes, or hours. These are numerical values.

Step 3: Determine if the data can be used for mathematical operations. Since response times can be added, subtracted, averaged, etc., this confirms that the data is quantitative.

Step 4: Consider whether the data represents a measurable quantity. Response times measure the duration of an event, which is a measurable quantity, further supporting that it is quantitative.

Step 5: Conclude that the data is quantitative because it consists of numerical values that represent measurable durations and can be used in mathematical calculations.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Qualitative Data

Qualitative data refers to non-numeric information that describes characteristics or qualities. This type of data is often categorical, meaning it can be divided into groups or categories based on attributes. Examples include colors, names, or types of responses, which provide insights into the qualities of the subject being studied.

Quantitative Data

Quantitative data consists of numeric values that can be measured and analyzed statistically. This type of data can be further classified into discrete (countable) and continuous (measurable) data. Examples include age, height, or response times, which allow for mathematical operations and statistical analysis to derive meaningful conclusions.

Response Times

Response times refer to the duration it takes for a customer service representative to reply to a customer inquiry. This measurement is quantitative, as it is expressed in units of time (e.g., seconds or minutes) and can be analyzed to assess performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Understanding response times is crucial for evaluating service quality.

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