Define qualitative data.

Define qualitative data.

• A. Information about quantities or amounts of what is being studied. Usually expressed in numerical form.
• B. Qualitative data are numerical.
• C. Data that are described as categories without numbers.
• D. Information about the qualities or characteristics of what is being studied.

Answer: (D)

Qualitative data describe information about qualities or characteristics of what is being studied, rather than amounts. This type of data captures descriptions, categories, or attributes—things you can observe or discuss but not measure with a number, such as color, texture, behavior, or species. That makes the definition that emphasizes qualities or characteristics the best fit. In contrast, quantitative data focus on quantities and are usually numerical, like counts or measurements. Some qualitative data can be described as categories, but the essence is that they express qualities, not quantities.

Qualitative data describe information about qualities or characteristics of what is being studied, rather than amounts. This type of data captures descriptions, categories, or attributes—things you can observe or discuss but not measure with a number, such as color, texture, behavior, or species. That makes the definition that emphasizes qualities or characteristics the best fit. In contrast, quantitative data focus on quantities and are usually numerical, like counts or measurements. Some qualitative data can be described as categories, but the essence is that they express qualities, not quantities.