Which of the following is the primary characteristic of qualitative data collection?

Qualitative data collection is primarily characterized by the inclusion of open-ended questions. This method allows respondents to provide detailed, descriptive responses, which capture their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes in their own words. Open-ended questions are designed to gather in-depth information and insights, promoting a deeper understanding of the subject being studied.

In contrast, closed questions typically limit responses to predefined choices, which restricts the depth of information that can be obtained. Qualitative research generally focuses on the why and how of a phenomenon rather than just quantifying variables, which explains the preference for open-ended formats.

Additionally, qualitative data collection does not primarily focus on numerical data but rather explores rich, descriptive data that can highlight trends, patterns, and experiences. Sample sizes in qualitative research are usually smaller because the emphasis is on the quality of data and the depth of insights gathered, rather than on statistical generalization, which often requires larger samples. Therefore, the use of open-ended questions is fundamental in qualitative research, making it the primary characteristic of this type of data collection.