Final answer:
The statement that most research generates only quantitative data is false, as research often includes both quantitative and qualitative data. Various methods, including case studies and surveys, frequently use a mix of data types to provide more comprehensive insights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Most research generates only quantitative data' is false. Research, particularly in the social sciences, can generate both quantitative and qualitative data. While quantitative data involves collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed, qualitative data involves non-numerical data like interviews, observations, and case studies that provide deeper insight into behaviors, opinions, and social contexts.
It is also important to clarify that data that does not support a hypothesis can still be extremely useful, as it contributes to our understanding of the phenomenon under study. Experimentation is not the only valid type of scientific investigation; observational studies, longitudinal research, and case studies are also critical methods of scientific inquiry. Furthermore, while larger sample sizes in scientific experiments are generally preferred for their greater statistical power, smaller samples can still be informative, especially in preliminary or exploratory research.
In the context of case studies, both quantitative and qualitative assessments can be used. For instance, data might be gathered on a group's behavior, health outcomes, or other measurable criteria, and this hard data serves as the basis for the researchers' findings.
Surveys are another common research method that often collects a mix of quantitative and qualitative data. This can include demographics that are analyzable and personal experiences or reasons for certain behaviors that provide more explanatory power.