Which of the following accurately describes qualitative data?

Qualitative data is characterized by its focus on non-numerical information, primarily derived from subjective assessments such as opinions, experiences, and detailed descriptions. This type of data seeks to capture the complexity of human behavior and social phenomena, providing depth and context that often cannot be conveyed through numbers alone. By relying on narratives, interviews, and open-ended survey responses, qualitative data allows researchers to explore participants' perspectives and the meanings they attribute to their experiences.

The other options reflect misunderstandings of qualitative data. For instance, the first choice suggests that qualitative data provides numerical data, which is a hallmark of quantitative research rather than qualitative. The third option incorrectly implies that qualitative data is always easily quantifiable; in fact, the essence of qualitative data often resists quantification because it addresses nuances and themes that are not well suited to numerical measurement. Finally, the last option restrictively defines qualitative data as limited to binary responses, when, in reality, it encompasses a wide variety of response formats that can include open-ended comments, detailed descriptions, and rich narratives. Thus, the choice that accurately captures the nature of qualitative data is the one highlighting its reliance on opinions and descriptions.