What type of research is characterized by analyzing numerical data?

The type of research that is characterized by analyzing numerical data is quantitative research. This form of research focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. It employs statistical methods to quantify variables and determine how they relate to one another, allowing for conclusions to be drawn based on measurable evidence.

Quantitative research typically involves larger sample sizes and objective measures, which enhances its ability to be generalized to a wider population. It is often used when researchers aim to test hypotheses or evaluate the impact of certain factors through statistical analysis, which provides a clear and concrete understanding of the research questions at hand.

Descriptive research, while it may present numerical data, primarily aims to describe characteristics or functions of a subject rather than analyze the data for statistical relationships. Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on understanding human behavior and experiences through non-numerical data, such as interviews and observations. Exploratory research seeks to investigate an area where little information is known, often using qualitative methods to generate insights before quantitative methods are employed. Thus, quantitative research stands out distinctly due to its emphasis on numerical data analysis.