What type of data includes information that is observed through senses like hearing, feeling, or smelling?

The correct answer is objective data. This type of data refers to information that can be measured or observed directly through the senses. It includes facts, statistics, and findings that can be verified through observation, such as a physical therapist noting a patient's range of motion or observing swelling in a joint. Objective data often involves measurable parameters, making it critical for creating treatment plans based on concrete evidence rather than personal feelings or interpretations.

Subjective data, on the other hand, pertains to information that comes from the patient's perspective, such as their reported feelings of pain or discomfort, which are not directly observable. Qualitative data involves non-numeric information that characterizes attributes or qualities, which may include subjective experiences. Quantitative data collects numerical data points that can be statistically analyzed, but it often derives from more objective measures rather than sensory observations.