Final answer:
Interviewing is not typically a component of quantitative investigation because it is more aligned with qualitative research methods that seek in-depth insights. Quantitative research focuses on statistical analysis of numerical data, contrasting with the subjective data obtained through interviews.
Step-by-step explanation:
An element that would not be a likely component of quantitative investigation is interviewing. Quantitative research usually involves the collection and statistical analysis of data that can be quantified, such as numbers and frequencies. Interviewing, on the other hand, is commonly associated with qualitative research, which is focused on exploring ideas, understanding concepts, and gaining in-depth insights, typically resulting in non-numerical data.
For example, in the realm of sociology, which often utilizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, studying sociology can help people analyze data by teaching them how to apply statistics, a key element in quantitative analysis.
However, sociologists will use in-depth interviews and focus groups more in qualitative assessments to understand the nuances and subjective experiences of research participants.
If a symbolic interactionist, a sociologist particularly interested in the symbolic meaning of human actions and interactions, is conducting research, they might prefer methods such as participant observation over strictly quantitative approaches like surveys or statistical analysis.
Similarly, in scientific poll design, a random sample is a desired feature to collect unbiased quantitative data, and leading questions would not be part of a well-designed quantitative study.
Therefore answer is d. interviewing.