What type of data is characterized by being descriptive and subjective?

Qualitative data is characterized by its descriptive and subjective nature. It encompasses non-numeric information that captures individuals' thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and experiences. This type of data is often collected through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions, which allow participants to express themselves in their own words. The subjective nature of qualitative data means that it provides rich, nuanced insights into a topic, allowing researchers to understand the underlying reasons, motivations, and patterns behind behaviors and trends.

In contrast, quantitative data focuses on numerical values and is used for statistical analysis, meaning it lacks the depth of personal insight found in qualitative data. Survey data can encompass both qualitative and quantitative formats, but it does not specifically define the subjective quality of responses. Categorical data refers to data that can be sorted into categories but does not necessarily imply its descriptive nature. Thus, qualitative data is specifically identified for its rich, descriptive, and subjective quality, making it the correct answer.