Define 'qualitative data' and give an example.

Qualitative data refers to non-numerical information that is often rich in detail and depth. This type of data is used to capture the complexities of human experiences, emotions, and behaviors. It is commonly derived from sources such as interviews, open-ended survey responses, focus groups, and observations. An example of qualitative data could be the transcripts from interviews where participants share their personal experiences regarding a particular topic, allowing researchers to analyze themes, patterns, and insights that quantitative data alone might not reveal.

Qualitative data is valuable because it provides context and understanding about a subject, which is essential when exploring phenomena where numerical data may not adequately capture the nuances involved. This makes qualitative approaches an important aspect of research, especially in fields like social sciences, health, and education, where human experiences are central to understanding behavior and outcomes.