Which type of research typically requires the researcher to engage with participants more directly?

Qualitative research is characterized by its focus on understanding the experiences, perspectives, and emotions of participants. This type of research often requires researchers to engage directly with participants through interviews, focus groups, or participant observations. The aim is to gather in-depth insights into social phenomena, which involves not only collecting data but also building relationships with participants to ensure their experiences are accurately conveyed and contextualized.

This direct engagement allows for a richer and more nuanced understanding of complex social issues. Such interaction is vital because qualitative methodologies seek to grasp the subjective meanings behind behaviors and interactions, which are often not quantifiable. In contrast, quantitative research typically relies on structured instruments like surveys or experiments, where participant engagement is more limited and usually does not delve deeply into individual experiences. Statistical analysis and meta-analysis also focus on numerical data and previously collected studies, further distancing the researcher from direct participant interaction.