What type of data is categorized as official statistics?

Official statistics refer to quantitative data that is systematically collected and published by government agencies or recognized institutions. This type of data often includes information such as population counts, employment rates, crime figures, and health statistics, which are compiled in a structured format to inform policy-making, public understanding, and academic research.

The strength of official statistics lies in their reliability and the fact that they typically adhere to rigorous standards of data collection and analysis. Because they are produced by authoritative sources, official statistics can be seen as a credible form of evidence in sociological research. This data often benefits from extensive sample sizes and standardized methodologies, making it easier to track changes over time and across different populations.

The other answer choices reflect different forms of data that do not fit the definition of official statistics. Qualitative insights from interviews focus on subjective experiences and personal narratives, while personal opinions from surveys emphasize individual perceptions and thoughts. Data based on social interactions among individuals explores dynamic relationships and social processes, often yielding qualitative insights that are not easily quantifiable. These types of data serve important purposes in research but do not represent the structured, numerical nature of official statistics.