What is Qualitative data?

• A. Data based on numbers and measurements
• B. Data based on things other than numbers
• C. Data that cannot be measured
• D. Data collected from surveys

Answer: (C)

Qualitative data describes qualities or attributes rather than quantities. It is non-numeric and captures descriptions, categories, or characteristics gathered from observations, interviews, or open-ended responses. You can code qualitative data for analysis, but the data itself remains descriptive rather than numerical. This is why the option describing data that cannot be measured best fits: it emphasizes non-numeric, descriptive information rather than measurements on a numeric scale. Examples include color, customer satisfaction categories (e.g., satisfied, neutral, dissatisfied), or product type. If data are measured with numbers or counts, that would be quantitative instead.