What type of approach does qualitative research primarily take?

Qualitative research primarily employs an inductive reasoning approach. This means that it seeks to generate theories and insights based on the patterns and themes that emerge from the data rather than testing predefined hypotheses. In qualitative research, the emphasis is on exploring participants' perspectives, experiences, and meanings rather than quantifying variables or measuring relationships.

Researchers engage with the data by looking for commonalities and unique insights which can lead to broader generalizations or theories that reflect the complexities of human behavior and social phenomena. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of context, making it particularly valuable in fields like social work, where individual experiences are central to understanding social issues.

In contrast, deductive reasoning typically starts with a theory or hypothesis and tests it through data collection, which is not the primary method in qualitative research. The hypothetico-deductive approach is more aligned with quantitative research, where hypotheses are formulated and then tested statistically. Finally, quantitative analysis focuses on numerical data and statistical techniques, which are distinctly separate from the narrative and descriptive nature of qualitative inquiry.