Qualitative refers to the characteristics or qualities of something rather than its quantity. It focuses on understanding the deeper meanings, experiences, and emotions behind a subject. For example, in research, qualitative methods might involve interviews or open-ended surveys to gather insights about people's feelings or opinions on a topic like climate change. In contrast to quantitative data, which deals with numbers and statistics, qualitative data provides a richer, more nuanced view. This approach is often used in fields like sociology and psychology to explore complex human behaviors and social phenomena, helping researchers understand the "why" behind actions and beliefs.