What is a primary disadvantage of using qualitative data?

The primary disadvantage of using qualitative data is that it is hard to analyze. Qualitative data typically consists of non-numerical information, such as words, themes, or concepts derived from interviews, observations, or open-ended survey responses. Analyzing this type of data requires a more interpretative approach, often involving coding, categorizing, and identifying patterns within the text. This process can be time-consuming and subjective, often relying on the researcher’s own interpretations, which can introduce bias. As a result, extracting clear and definitive conclusions can be more challenging compared to quantitative data, where statistical methods provide clearer metric analyses.

In contrast, the other options represent characteristics that are typically associated with qualitative data rather than disadvantages. Qualitative data is not measurable in numerical form, which is an inherent trait rather than a liability. It is not easily replicable, which may present challenges in terms of reliability but does not encapsulate the crux of qualitative analysis difficulties. Lastly, qualitative research usually provides a lower level of objectivity due to its dependence on interpretation and contextual understanding, further clarifying the distinction between qualitative and quantitative methodologies.