The difference between qualitative and quantitative data lies primarily in their nature and types of information they convey. Qualitative data is descriptive and often involves characteristics that can be observed but not measured, such as colors, textures, or opinions. It focuses on understanding qualities and is often gathered through interviews or open-ended questions. In contrast, quantitative data is numerical and can be measured and analyzed statistically, such as counts, percentages, or measurements. Both types of data are important in research and must be used appropriately to answer scientific questions adequately.