What is a characteristic of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is fundamentally focused on exploring and understanding the meanings, experiences, and concepts behind human behavior and social phenomena. This method prioritizes depth of understanding over breadth of generalization, allowing researchers to gain insights into how individuals perceive and interpret their experiences.

In qualitative research, the goal is to describe phenomena in a rich, detailed manner, often through interviews, focus groups, or observations. This approach enables researchers to capture the complexity of human experiences and the context in which they occur, which is vital for developing a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

The other approaches typically associated with qualitative research—such as hypothesis formation and testing—are more characteristic of quantitative research. Similarly, using numerical data and aiming for broad generalizations represent objectives that align with quantitative methodologies, which prioritize statistical analysis and broad applicability over individual narratives and deeper insights. Therefore, the focus on seeking to understand and describe phenomena is a defining characteristic that distinguishes qualitative research from other research methodologies.