Which phrase would likely be found in a report of a qualitative study?

In qualitative research, the focus is typically on understanding people's experiences, perceptions, and feelings. The phrase indicating that subjects were asked to relate their perceptions of pain aligns well with the qualitative approach, which emphasizes gathering descriptive data through methods such as interviews or open-ended questions. This approach aims to capture the complexity of human experience and the context surrounding those experiences.

The other phrases suggest a quantitative approach, focusing more on measurement, control groups, hypothesis testing, and specific scales for quantifying data. In contrast, qualitative studies often prioritize the subjective experiences of participants, allowing for a deeper exploration of their viewpoints and interpretations. This is why the phrase related to subjects sharing their perceptions is characteristic of qualitative research.