What is a key feature of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is characterized by its emphasis on understanding the depth and complexity of human experiences, which often involves collecting subjective data from participants. This type of research focuses on exploring meanings, concepts, and phenomena as they are perceived by individuals, rather than seeking to quantify those experiences or generalize findings across larger populations.

In qualitative research, participants' perspectives are crucial, and the data are often gathered through methods such as interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys that allow for rich, detailed responses. This subjective data is collected in order to capture the nuances of individual experiences and the context in which those experiences occur, making it a fundamental feature of qualitative inquiry.

Additionally, qualitative research does not rely on the statistical analysis typical of quantitative studies, which aim to test hypotheses and produce generalizable findings. Instead, qualitative research values the depth of insight and understanding that can be gained from individual narratives, fostering a more holistic perspective on the research topic.