Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test

What type of data includes categories, descriptions, and information that is not numerical?

1. Quantitative

2. Qualitative

3. Statistical

4. Empirical

The correct answer is: Qualitative

The question is centered on the distinction between different types of data, and the correct choice refers to qualitative data. Qualitative data is characterized by its focus on non-numerical information, encompassing categories, descriptions, and qualities that cannot be quantified. This type of data often captures attributes, opinions, and experiences, making it fundamentally different from numerical data which seeks to measure or quantify phenomena. For instance, when analyzing customer feedback, qualitative data might include detailed reviews and descriptions of a product's performance, aspects that cannot be boiled down into numbers but give depth to understanding customer satisfaction. This richness of context is crucial for fields such as social sciences, anthropology, and market research, where the nuances of human behavior and attitudes are critical to interpretation. On the other hand, the other options represent different kinds of data. Quantitative data deals with numerical values and can be measured or counted. Statistical data is a broader category that can include both qualitative and quantitative data, but it often relates more specifically to information presented in a statistical format. Empirical data, meanwhile, refers to information obtained through observation or experimentation, which can be quantitative or qualitative but doesn't specifically pertain to categories or descriptions. Thus, the emphasis on non-numerical aspects clearly aligns with qualitative data