What is a defining characteristic of qualitative research methods?

Qualitative research methods are primarily characterized by their focus on understanding and interpreting non-numerical data. This approach is used to gather insights into people's attitudes, behaviors, experiences, and social contexts. Unlike quantitative methods, which emphasize numerical analysis and statistical relationships, qualitative research aims to explore the depth and complexity of human experiences.

By gathering non-numerical data, such as interviews, open-ended responses, observations, and textual analysis, researchers can uncover underlying themes, patterns, and meanings that contribute to a richer understanding of the research subject. This emphasis on qualitative data allows for a more nuanced exploration of intricate issues that may not be effectively captured through quantitative measures alone.

In contrast, the other options emphasize aspects that do not align with the essence of qualitative methods, such as numerical analysis, closed-ended surveys, or a requirement for large sample sizes, which are more characteristic of quantitative research. These distinctions highlight the unique traits of qualitative research, underscoring its value in exploring the human experience in depth.