The joint cost allocation method that is not based on the economic characteristics of the joint products is the:

A) joint cost allocation method.
B) relative sales value method.
C) physical units method.
D) net realisable value method.

The physical units method simply allocates joint costs based on the physical units produced by each joint product, regardless of their economic value. This method is often used when joint products have similar economic characteristics or when there is no reliable sales or value data available. Therefore, the answer is C - physical units method.