What is one of the defining features of qualitative research?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the UCF DEP2004 Developmental Psychology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations to prepare for your exam. Ensure success on test day!

Qualitative research is characterized by its goal of understanding human behavior, experiences, and social phenomena through a subjective lens. This approach emphasizes gaining insights into the meanings, perspectives, and contexts surrounding individuals' experiences rather than quantifying them.

By focusing on understanding behavior, qualitative research often utilizes methods such as interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys, allowing researchers to capture the richness and complexity of participants' thoughts and feelings. This depth of understanding contrasts sharply with quantitative research, which typically involves measuring and analyzing numerical data.

The other options, such as the reliance on statistical methods, large sample sizes, and double-blind methods, are more closely associated with quantitative research paradigms. These methods prioritize numerical data, generalization from a sample to a population, and reducing bias in experimental designs, respectively.