Which of the following best defines qualitative data?

Qualitative data is characterized by capturing experiences, qualities, and descriptive attributes rather than being expressed numerically. This type of data tends to focus on human behavior, emotions, thoughts, and the nuances of social phenomena. It provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter by conveying the richness and complexity of individual experiences, which can be critical in fields such as psychology, sociology, and market research.

In contrast, the other options highlight characteristics primarily associated with quantitative data, such as numerical representation and statistical measurement, which are not applicable to qualitative data. Quantitative data is often analyzed using statistical methods, whereas qualitative data analysis may include thematic interpretation or content analysis. Thus, the definition that captures the essence of qualitative data is the one that emphasizes experiences and qualities.