Which statement best describes qualitative research?

Qualitative research is fundamentally focused on understanding human experiences, perceptions, and social phenomena through a descriptive and narrative lens. It seeks to gather in-depth insights rather than to quantify behaviors or opinions. This approach often involves methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observations, allowing researchers to explore the context and complexity of the participants' experiences. The emphasis is on the richness of the data collected and the meanings derived from them, making this approach essential for fields that prioritize understanding the subjective experiences of individuals, such as nursing and healthcare.

In contrast, the other options present characteristics associated with quantitative research. The first option speaks to a numerical focus, while the second underlines reliance on statistical methods. The fourth option suggests a limitation that does not align with qualitative research, which can encompass various methodologies beyond just case studies, including ethnography and grounded theory, allowing for a broader range of data collection and analysis techniques. This comprehensive perspective underscores the distinctive nature of qualitative research as a field dedicated to exploring human narratives and experiences.