Which of the following statements best describes qualitative research?

Qualitative research is characterized by its focus on understanding human experiences, perceptions, and behaviors within their natural contexts. By conducting studies in natural settings, researchers can observe participants in their everyday environments, which allows for a more authentic understanding of the phenomena being studied. This approach contrasts with experimental or quantitative methods that often take place in controlled environments.

Qualitative research typically involves smaller sample sizes, prioritizing depth of understanding over breadth. The data collected in qualitative research are primarily non-numeric, such as interviews, observations, and textual analysis. Finally, while qualitative research does have systematic elements in its design, it emphasizes the subjective experiences of participants rather than adhering strictly to objective metrics. This combination of naturalistic inquiry and subjective interpretation is fundamental to the qualitative approach.