Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

Qualitative research is best described as a method that explores phenomena through observation and interviews. This approach is centered on understanding the meaning and experiences of individuals rather than focusing on numerical data or rigid statistical analysis. Qualitative research seeks to gain insights into people's thoughts, feelings, and motivations by engaging with them directly, which allows for a deeper examination of complex issues.

The distinguishing feature of qualitative research is its emphasis on gathering non-numerical data, often in the form of open-ended responses or detailed descriptions collected through methods such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observations. This type of research is particularly valuable when the goal is to investigate subjective experiences and narratives that cannot be easily quantified.

In contrast, research methods that focus solely on quantitative data collection are not characteristic of qualitative research. Additionally, a study design that relies exclusively on numerical data would fall into the realm of quantitative research. Lastly, while qualitative research often involves human subjects—making their perspectives a central aspect of the study—stating that it doesn’t involve human subjects is an inaccurate characterization of this type of research.