What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research?

Qualitative research is primarily distinguished by its emphasis on descriptive data and a deeper understanding of concepts, behaviors, and experiences. This approach seeks to explore phenomena from a subjective perspective, focusing on the meanings individuals assign to their experiences. It often utilizes methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observations to gather rich, detailed data that capture the complexities of human behavior.

By prioritizing narrative and context, qualitative research provides insights into participants' thoughts, feelings, and motivations, rather than relying solely on numerical data or statistical relationships. This method is particularly valuable in exploring new areas of study where little is known, as it allows researchers to develop theories or identify patterns that may not be evident through quantitative analysis.

In contrast, methods that emphasize statistical analysis would fall under the quantitative category, while the reliance on experimental data refers to controlled environments typical of quantitative research. In qualitative research, the focus is not on generalizing findings to larger populations but rather on providing a comprehensive understanding of specific contexts or groups.