Energy Need during Pregnancy The total energy need during pregnancy is normally distributed, with mean μ = 2600 kcal/day and standard deviation σ = 50 kcal/day.


Source: American Dietetic Association.


a. Is total energy need during pregnancy qualitative or quantitative?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative variables: Qualitative variables describe categories or qualities, while quantitative variables represent numerical values that can be measured or counted.
2. Identify the nature of the variable 'total energy need during pregnancy': Since it is measured in kcal/day, which is a numerical value representing energy, it is a quantitative variable.
3. Confirm that the variable is continuous because energy need can take any value within a range, not just distinct categories or counts.
4. Therefore, conclude that the total energy need during pregnancy is a quantitative continuous variable.
5. Remember that recognizing the type of variable is important because it determines the appropriate statistical methods to use for analysis.

Key Concepts

Qualitative vs Quantitative Data

Data can be classified as qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative data describes categories or characteristics, such as colors or types, while quantitative data represents numerical values that can be measured or counted, like height or energy intake.

Measurement of Energy Need

Energy need during pregnancy is measured in kilocalories per day, which is a numerical value representing the amount of energy required. Since it involves measurable quantities, it is considered quantitative data.

Normal Distribution

A normal distribution is a continuous probability distribution characterized by a symmetric, bell-shaped curve defined by its mean and standard deviation. It describes how values like energy needs are spread around the average in a population.