Final answer:
Quantitative research is focused on numerical data, qualitative involves descriptive or categorical information, and interpretive research combines both numerical and descriptive data with a focus on subjective understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quantitative, qualitative, and interpretive are terms commonly used in the realm of research to describe types of data and approaches to analysis. The correct definition among the options provided is: a) Quantitative involves numbers, qualitative involves descriptions, and interpretive is a mix of both.
Quantitative research involves numerical data that can be measured or counted, offering a precise, objective view. For example, stating that a class contains 25 students is a quantitative description. Qualitative research, on the other hand, provides descriptive data that is often categorical and subjective, like saying sulfur is yellow or describing the weather as snowy. Finally, interpretive research combines both numerical and descriptive data, often using narrative or descriptive methods to explore research topics, focusing on the subjective understanding of social phenomena.