What are exploratory studies primarily characterized by?

Exploratory studies are primarily characterized by difficult-to-define variables because they aim to investigate phenomena where there is limited existing knowledge or previous research. In such studies, researchers often explore new ideas, patterns, or relationships without having a specific hypothesis in mind. The goal is to gain insights and generate new questions that can be further investigated through more structured research methods.

In exploratory research, the nature of the variables may not be fully understood, making it challenging to define them precisely. This characteristic aligns with the preliminary nature of these studies, which often lead to the development of hypotheses or theories rather than testing pre-established ones.

In contrast, quantitative measurement is more commonly associated with descriptive or confirmatory research, where the variables are clearly defined and measurable. The use of experimental designs typically involves testing hypotheses in controlled settings, which goes beyond the exploratory phase. Likewise, the reduction of qualitative data is generally found in analytical research processes that seek to draw conclusions from established findings rather than in exploratory studies that focus on gathering initial insights.