Which of the following is NOT a definitive characteristic of reliability in data collection?

In the context of data collection, reliability refers to the consistency and stability of the measurement across time and different conditions. A definitive characteristic of reliability encompasses aspects such as consistency, reproducibility, and dependability, all of which indicate that the data yielded are trustworthy and likely to produce the same results under similar conditions.

The characteristic of being "easy to obtain," however, does not directly relate to the concept of reliability itself. While having readily available data can be advantageous, it does not guarantee that the data is reliable. Reliable data may sometimes be difficult to replicate or may require specific conditions for collection, yet it can still be considered reliable if it produces consistent results over time.

By focusing on the primary aspects of reliability—involving how consistently data can be reproduced or depended upon—the notion of ease of obtaining data falls outside the core parameters of reliability in data collection.