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

Qualitative research is primarily concerned with exploring and understanding the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of individuals. It is characterized by its focus on subjective interpretations rather than quantifiable metrics.

The emphasis on user behavior allows researchers to gain insights into the motivations and feelings of participants, which can illuminate patterns and themes relevant to the topic being studied. This aligns with the exploratory nature of qualitative research, as it seeks to discover underlying reasons and motivations rather than to test a hypothesis or measure variables statistically. The goal is to develop a contextual understanding of a phenomenon, appreciating the complexities of how individuals interact with their environments and each other.

Statistical reliability, on the other hand, is a foundational aspect of quantitative research, which relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to draw conclusions. Qualitative research typically does not prioritize statistical reliability, as it focuses on depth of understanding rather than breadth and generalizability found in quantitative studies. Therefore, the absence of statistical reliability is a defining aspect that differentiates qualitative research from other forms of research, making it an appropriate choice for this question.