What type of data is generally expressed in numbers?

Quantitative data is characterized by its expression in numerical form, allowing for measurable comparisons and statistical analysis. This type of data can represent a range of values and can be used for calculations such as mean, median, and standard deviation. Quantitative data includes anything that can be measured or counted, such as height, weight, temperature, or test scores. This numerical representation is essential for conducting experiments and surveys where precise measurement is critical.

In contrast, qualitative data encompasses non-numerical information, often dealing with descriptions, qualities, or characteristics that cannot be quantified easily, such as interview responses or survey results that capture personal opinions. Ordinal data, while also considered a type of qualitative data, specifically refers to categories with a meaningful order but not necessarily consistent intervals between categories. Categorical data includes distinct groups or categories, often represented without any inherent numerical value or order. Thus, quantitative data stands out as the form most commonly associated with numerical representation.