Which term describes qualitative data?

Qualitative data refers to non-numeric information that can describe characteristics, qualities, and attributes of a subject. It's often expressed in descriptions, words, or categories rather than as numbers. This type of data is valuable because it provides context and depth to the information being gathered, especially in fields like community and public health where understanding patient perspectives, social interactions, and behaviors is crucial.

Descriptive data is the most fitting term for qualitative data because it encompasses narratives, interviews, observations, and other forms of input that give insight into experiences and phenomena rather than just numbers or statistics. This contrasts with terms like numerical data or numeric analysis, which specifically relate to numerical expressions and calculations. Statistical data, while it can include qualitative elements, predominantly refers to data that can be quantified and analyzed mathematically, thus emphasizing the differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches.