What distinguishes qualitative data from quantitative data?

Qualitative data is fundamentally characterized by its focus on describing characteristics or qualities, which often involves non-numeric attributes. This type of data captures subjective and descriptive information such as opinions, themes, and experiences. Examples include data gathered through interviews, open-ended survey responses, or observational studies where the aim is to understand behavior or perceptions.

On the other hand, quantitative data is recognized for representing numerical values and can be measured and analyzed statistically. This includes datasets that encompass counts, measurements, and formally structured data that can be subjected to various mathematical operations.

Thus, the distinction lies in the nature of the data itself: qualitative data revolves around descriptive characteristics, while quantitative data is concerned with numerical representation. This understanding is key in data analytics, as it informs the approach and methods used for analyzing different types of data.