Which research method typically produces qualitative data?

Focus groups typically produce qualitative data because they involve gathering discussions and insights from a small group of participants about specific topics. This method allows researchers to capture rich, detailed responses and explore participants' attitudes, feelings, and perceptions in depth. The interaction within the group can also stimulate ideas and lead to deeper understandings that wouldn't be captured through more structured methods.

In contrast, surveys generally generate quantitative data through structured questions and fixed responses, while lab experiments focus on controlled variables to test hypotheses, typically resulting in numerical or categorical data. Predictive analysis often relies on existing data to forecast outcomes, emphasizing quantitative statistical techniques rather than exploring qualitative insights. Thus, focus groups stand out as the method that primarily yields qualitative data, making them essential for understanding complex social issues.