What aspect does qualitative research primarily aim to uncover?

Qualitative research primarily aims to uncover the significance of social phenomena by exploring the meanings and experiences that individuals or groups ascribe to their lives and interactions. This approach is centered on understanding the depth and complexity of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions in a natural context. By focusing on descriptive data, qualitative research helps to illuminate the perspectives and experiences of participants, revealing insights that may not be captured through quantitative methods, which rely on numerical data and statistical analysis. This emphasis on subjective interpretations and the significance of social contexts makes qualitative research invaluable in fields such as social work, where understanding individual and community experiences is crucial for effective practice and intervention.