What is the primary aim of qualitative research?

The primary aim of qualitative research is to understand the meanings and experiences of participants. This type of research focuses on exploring the depth and complexity of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions, rather than simply measuring or counting these aspects. Qualitative research seeks to capture the subjective experiences of individuals and to interpret these experiences in context. Researchers employ methods such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation to gather rich, detailed insights that can reveal the complexities of social phenomena.

In contrast, the other options are focused on quantitative aspects of research. Quantitative research typically involves measuring relationships between variables, making statistical generalizations across larger populations, and testing predefined hypotheses through numerical data and statistical analysis. These approaches seek to establish patterns and correlations that can be applied broadly, which is fundamentally different from the goal of qualitative research to provide an in-depth understanding of individual experiences and social contexts.