The two categories of data that marketers collect to monitor the marketplace are qualitative and quantitative.
- Qualitative data provides insights into consumer opinions, motivations, and attitudes, often gathered through interviews, focus groups, or open-ended survey questions.
- Quantitative data involves numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically, typically gathered through surveys with closed-ended questions or digital metrics like website analytics.
These two categories help marketers understand both the "how" and "why" behind consumer behavior.