What is a common limitation of qualitative data?

Qualitative data is often characterized by its descriptive and subjective nature, focusing on understanding and interpreting phenomena from a participant-centered perspective. One of the primary limitations of qualitative data is its tendency to be difficult to replicate. This limitation arises because qualitative research typically involves unique contexts, personal experiences, and specific interactions that are not easily reproduced. The findings derived from qualitative studies are often context-specific and do not lend themselves well to standardized protocols or methodologies that can be consistently repeated across different settings.

In contrast, other options suggest limitations that do not accurately reflect the nature of qualitative data. For instance, qualitative data does not inherently require extensive numerical data, nor does it rely predominantly on statistical analysis; instead, it often emphasizes themes and patterns that emerge from the data collected through interviews, focus groups, or observations. Additionally, qualitative data does not exclude detailed participant narratives; in fact, it prioritizes and includes these kinds of narratives to provide depth and insight into human experiences and social phenomena.