Which statement describes qualitative data features?

Which statement describes qualitative data features?

• A. Qualitative data is descriptive and subjective
• B. Qualitative data is numerical and objective
• C. Qualitative data is irrelevant
• D. Qualitative data is always measured

Answer: (A)

Qualitative data describes attributes, qualities, and experiences using non-numerical descriptions. It is descriptive and often involves interpretation of meaning from things like interviews, open-ended responses, observations, or video analyses. Because researchers interpret these descriptions to identify themes and context, there is a degree of subjectivity, though systematic coding and validation can improve consistency. This is why describing qualitative data as descriptive and subjective best matches how it’s used in practice. In contrast, qualitative data is not numerical and objective, it isn’t irrelevant, and it isn’t something that is always measured in a quantitative sense.

Qualitative data describes attributes, qualities, and experiences using non-numerical descriptions. It is descriptive and often involves interpretation of meaning from things like interviews, open-ended responses, observations, or video analyses. Because researchers interpret these descriptions to identify themes and context, there is a degree of subjectivity, though systematic coding and validation can improve consistency. This is why describing qualitative data as descriptive and subjective best matches how it’s used in practice. In contrast, qualitative data is not numerical and objective, it isn’t irrelevant, and it isn’t something that is always measured in a quantitative sense.