What is a characteristic of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is characterized by its focus on understanding human behavior and the meanings individuals assign to their experiences. This approach emphasizes capturing subjective perspectives, often through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and open-ended surveys. By exploring the complexities of human experiences, qualitative research seeks to provide depth and context that numerical data alone may miss. This allows researchers to uncover insights into motivations, feelings, and social contexts, enriching the understanding of the phenomena being studied.

The nature of qualitative research means it does not prioritize statistical analysis or seek to generalize findings through large sample sizes, which are more typical of quantitative research. Instead, it often involves smaller, purposefully selected samples that allow for detailed exploration of specific issues or populations. By valuing rich, descriptive data over numerical representation, qualitative research can uncover nuanced insights that can inform further study or practical application.