What does the term 'Qualitative' indicate?

The term 'Qualitative' refers to the attributes, characteristics, or qualities of something rather than numerical values or measurable quantities. In various fields, including research and risk assessment, qualitative data is often used to provide insights into experiences, opinions, or feelings, as it captures the essence of subjects in a descriptive manner.

This approach allows for a deeper understanding of complex phenomena, focusing on the 'why' and 'how' rather than just the 'what' represented by numerical data. For example, in security risk assessment, qualitative analysis could involve understanding employee perceptions of safety or the underlying reasons for a specific security breach, which cannot be fully captured through quantitative measures alone.

In contrast, the other options emphasize numerical or measurable aspects, which would align more with a 'Quantitative' approach rather than the qualitative characteristics that seek to explain the context and nuances of a situation.