What is a limitation of qualitative data?

The selection reflects a fundamental characteristic of qualitative data, which is that it is inherently subjective. Qualitative data typically involves insights derived from interviews, focus groups, and observations that capture people's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This subjective nature often means that the findings are specific to the particular context and individuals studied, making it challenging to apply those insights broadly.

Such data provides depth and richness but lacks the statistical power that would allow for generalizations to larger populations. For example, if a researcher conducts in-depth interviews with a small focus group, the rich narratives collected will reflect the unique experiences and perceptions of those particular individuals. However, they may not represent the wider population's views or behaviors. Therefore, while qualitative data is invaluable for understanding complex phenomena, its limitations in terms of generalizability are prominent, necessitating careful consideration of context and individual differences before drawing broader conclusions.