What is the main characteristic of quantitative data?

Quantitative data is fundamentally characterized by its ability to be measured and subjected to statistical analysis. This type of data typically consists of numerical values that can be used to quantify behaviors, outcomes, or characteristics. The nature of quantitative data allows researchers to perform various statistical tests, derive correlations, and establish patterns, enabling them to generate conclusions that are often generalized across larger populations.

This distinguishes it from qualitative data, which focuses on subjective experiences and does not lend itself to statistical measurement in the same way. Quantitative research methodologies often involve the use of structured tools such as surveys or experiments to gather data that can be expressed numerically, allowing for rigorous analysis and comparison.

In contrast, the other options suggest characteristics more aligned with qualitative research, such as subjective experiences and interview-based data collection methods, as well as thematic analysis, which is specifically designed for qualitative data that focuses on patterns instead of numerical measurement. Thus, the defining feature of quantitative data is its capacity for measurement and statistical analysis.