Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

Qualitative research is characterized by its focus on understanding the complexities of social phenomena through in-depth exploration of human experiences and interpretations. This approach typically involves methods such as interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys to gather rich, descriptive data. The aim is to gain insights into the meanings that people assign to their experiences, behaviors, and social interactions.

In contrast to the other options, which emphasize quantitative elements such as numerical data, experiments, and statistical analyses, qualitative research prioritizes context, subjectivity, and the subjective meaning people derive from their situations. By using techniques like thematic analysis or narrative analysis, qualitative researchers can capture the depth and nuance of participants' perspectives, making it a powerful tool for understanding complex social dynamics.