Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of qualitative data?

Qualitative data is fundamentally different from quantitative data in that it emphasizes the understanding of underlying concepts, experiences, and meanings rather than numerical measurement. The essence of qualitative data is its ability to provide in-depth insights into human behavior and perceptions through descriptive, non-numeric information.

Options that describe qualitative data include being descriptive in nature, as it often includes detailed narratives or observations that convey a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, qualitative data is frequently collected through open-ended questions, which allow respondents to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words, thereby producing rich, textual data. Additionally, qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts, beliefs, and experiences, aiming to explore the complexities of human interactions and social phenomena.

In contrast, qualitative data cannot be quantified, meaning it does not lend itself to numerical analysis or measurements. Therefore, identifying the characteristic of being quantifiable as NOT representative of qualitative data clearly highlights the distinguishing features between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This understanding is crucial for anyone involved in healthcare research, as different questions and hypotheses may necessitate entirely different approaches to data collection and analysis.