Which of the following best describes the use of qualitative data in research?

Qualitative data is primarily concerned with understanding human experiences, behaviors, and perspectives. This type of data is descriptive and often involves non-numerical information, such as interviews, open-ended survey responses, and observational notes. By providing insights into subjective experiences, qualitative data allows researchers to grasp the complexities of people's feelings, motivations, and social contexts. This in-depth understanding is crucial in fields like social sciences, psychology, and market research, where the nuances of human experience are significant for drawing conclusions and making informed decisions.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that are characteristic of quantitative data rather than qualitative. For instance, measuring quantitative variables and focusing on statistical analysis both pertain to numerical data, which is aimed at quantifying behaviors or characteristics rather than exploring their underlying meanings. Additionally, encompassing numerical data processing signifies a reliance on statistics and numbers, which does not apply to the nature of qualitative data. Thus, the strength of option B lies in its emphasis on the richness of subjective insights that qualitative data uniquely provides.