What aspect does qualitative data focus on?

Qualitative data is centered around descriptive characteristics rather than numeric values or statistical findings. It captures qualities, attributes, and perceptions, providing insights into the experiences or opinions of individuals. For example, qualitative data can include observations about behaviors, interviews, and surveys that reflect people's feelings or motivations, allowing for a deeper understanding of a subject beyond mere numbers. This approach is particularly useful in fields like social sciences, where understanding context and personal experience is crucial. By emphasizing descriptions and themes, qualitative data enables researchers to convey a richer picture of the phenomena being studied.