What is qualitative data characterized by?

Qualitative data is characterized by its focus on capturing descriptive information and subjective experiences. It often involves methods that provide rich insights into people's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. One of the predominant ways qualitative data is collected is through in-depth interviews and field observations, which allow for a deeper understanding of complex phenomena. These methods enable researchers to explore how individuals experience and interpret their world, making it fundamentally different from quantitative approaches that rely heavily on numerical data and statistical analysis.

In contrast to other characteristics presented, qualitative data does not inherently involve formal structures or numerical representation. While surveys can be a part of qualitative research, especially if they include open-ended questions, they are not exclusively required, nor do they necessarily lead to qualitative data on their own. The emphasis in qualitative research is often on the richness of detail rather than on the collection of extensive statistical data.