Which of the following is not a characteristic of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is primarily focused on understanding the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of individuals, often through in-depth methods such as interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys. This approach emphasizes rich, detailed narratives rather than quantifiable data.

The use of numerical data is characteristic of quantitative research, which seeks to measure variables and analyze them statistically. In contrast, qualitative research prioritizes narrative depth, allowing for a nuanced understanding of social phenomena. Characteristics such as detailed interviews, in-depth exploration of social phenomena, and exploration of subjective experiences are hallmarks of qualitative methods, aimed at capturing the complexity of human behavior and social contexts. Therefore, the inclusion of numerical data would not align with the essence of qualitative research.