How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research?

Qualitative research is characterized by its emphasis on understanding the complexity of human experience, behavior, and social contexts through non-numerical data. It seeks to capture the depth and richness of a phenomenon, considering the meanings, concepts, and descriptions that individuals provide. This approach is particularly effective in exploring aspects of life that cannot be easily quantified, such as feelings, thoughts, and cultural patterns.

By accounting for real-world factors in its analysis, qualitative research recognizes the nuanced ways that individuals interact with their environments and each other. It often employs methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations to gather insights that reflect participants' experiences and perspectives. This qualitative lens allows researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the context in which events occur, making it invaluable for developing theories and informing practice in fields such as healthcare, education, and social sciences.

In contrast, the other approaches either misattribute characteristics to qualitative research or inaccurately describe quantitative methods. Quantitative research typically relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to establish patterns or generalizations, not focusing on the nuances of narrative and context, which are central to qualitative methods.