In qualitative research, findings should primarily reflect what aspect?

In qualitative research, the focus is primarily on understanding and interpreting the meanings, experiences, and realities of the participants involved in the study. This approach values the subjective nature of human experiences and aims to gain insights into how individuals perceive and make sense of their world.

By emphasizing the experiences of participants, qualitative research captures a rich, detailed account of their lives, emotions, and contexts, allowing for a deeper understanding of complex social phenomena. This aspect is vital because it respects participants as co-creators of knowledge rather than merely subjects of study.

While generalizability, theoretical implications, and researchers’ opinions might play significant roles in other types of research, qualitative research is unique in its dedication to presenting participants' voices and perspectives. This strong focus on participant experiences helps scholars and practitioners gain insights that can inform practice and policy in nuanced ways, making the findings deeply contextual and relevant to specific situations or populations.