Which option describes data that can be counted and is often categorical?

Discrete data refers to information that can be counted and is often categorical in nature. This type of data consists of distinct values or categories that are separate and do not overlap. For instance, the number of students in a classroom or the result of a survey where responses are categorized can both be classified as discrete data.

In contrast, continuous data encompasses measurable quantities that can take on an infinite number of values within a given range, such as height or weight. Ratio data and interval data are both forms of continuous data where the differences between values can be meaningful, but they differ in the presence of a true zero point, which applies to ratio data. In summary, discrete data is the best fit for the description provided, as it aligns perfectly with the notion of countable and often categorical data.