What does qualitative research seek to uncover?

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the underlying motivations, reasons, and meanings behind human behavior and social phenomena. It seeks to explore how individuals perceive and interpret their experiences in depth. By employing methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observations, qualitative research aims to capture rich, detailed insights that might not be apparent through quantitative measures, such as numerical data or statistical analysis.

This approach values the subjective experiences of participants, acknowledging that behavior is often influenced by complex social, cultural, and emotional factors. Qualitative research is particularly useful in areas like developmental psychology, where understanding the nuances of behavior can provide valuable context and depth to theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The emphasis on exploring the "why" behind behavior differentiates qualitative research from other methodologies that might focus more on numerical relationships or general patterns.