The focus of qualitative data is on capturing the essence of human experiences. This type of data is inherently subjective and is often gathered through methods like interviews, open-ended surveys, and observations. It emphasizes understanding people's perceptions, feelings, and motivations. Qualitative data allows researchers to gain insights into the complexities of human behavior and the meanings that individuals attach to their experiences, making it particularly effective for exploring nuanced issues and social phenomena.
In contrast, quantitative data involves numerical measurements and statistical analysis, which primarily emphasizes quantifying relationships and patterns rather than exploring the depth of human experience. Empirical data refers to information acquired by observation or experimentation; it can be qualitative or quantitative, indicating that this term alone doesn't specifically capture human experiences. Theoretical data pertains to concepts and frameworks developed through reasoning, which does not directly engage with actual human experiences. Thus, qualitative data stands out as the most appropriate choice for understanding human experiences.