Final answer:
Open-ended and non-numerically transcribed research data is known as qualitative data, which includes subjective information like language and feelings, and is essential for understanding complex human behaviors and opinions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research data that is open-ended and not easily transcribed into numbers is referred to as qualitative data. This type of data encompasses nonnumerical information such as language, feelings, perceptions, and impressions. Qualitative data is typically collected via methods like in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and analysis of content sources. Since it involves subjective evidence that is difficult to quantify, qualitative research is often more time-consuming and challenging to organize compared to quantitative data, which is numerical and can be easily counted and statistically analyzed.
Qualitative data provides insight into behaviors, beliefs, and opinions and is usually collected in natural settings, portraying a rich and detailed understanding of the subject. It captures the complexity of human experiences, which is essential for studies in fields such as qualitative sociology and anthropology. Nevertheless, because of its detailed and varied nature, researchers may find it difficult to organize and tabulate qualitative information.