Which type of research emphasizes descriptive data and meanings?

The emphasis on descriptive data and meanings clearly aligns with qualitative research, which focuses on understanding human experiences, social contexts, and the meanings individuals ascribe to their lived experiences. This approach often involves interviews, focus groups, and observations that allow researchers to gather rich, detailed data that convey the subject's perspectives.

Qualitative research places a strong emphasis on the context and depth of understanding, rather than quantifying data or measuring variables, which is characteristic of quantitative research. It seeks to interpret complex phenomena through narratives and themes that emerge from the data, enabling researchers to capture the nuances of human behavior and social interactions.

In contrast, quantitative research typically emphasizes numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns and relationships. Mixed-methods research incorporates both quantitative and qualitative approaches but does not singularly emphasize descriptive data and meanings as core to its methodology. Experimental research focuses on testing hypotheses through controlled environments and interventions, which is distinct from the exploratory and interpretative nature of qualitative study.